Author(s): James Pemberton, Kennedy Albee, Camille Bruner, Arianna Nelson, Adam Arnett, Natalia Rubio
Mentor(s): Kristina Oldroyd
Institution UVU
Interoceptive awareness (IAw) is the conscious ability to perceive internal bodily sensations such as breathing, hunger, thirst, and one’s own heartbeat. Beyond simply recognizing physical cues, IAw encompasses the capacity to connect these sensations with their related emotional and mental states. IAw is linked to greater emotional stability and more psychological resilience—qualities that are essential for flourishing, a key concept in positive psychology. The idea of flourishing offers a unique perspective on mental health, moving beyond the traditional focus on pathology and embracing the potential for positive growth and well-being. Indeed, flourishing is regarded as the pinnacle of well-being, which encompasses positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment (PERMA). While extant research has found strong links between interoception and psychopathology, little work has been done examining the relation between IAw and positive psychological outcomes such as flourishing. Fifty individuals that have participated in a dance fitness and meditation practice for a variable amount of time (e.g. 3 months to 10+ years) arrived at the lab and, following consent procedures, completed an experimental protocol similar to the dance fitness and meditation classes that they have previously attended. Following the movement portion of the experiment, several questionnaires, including the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) which measures multiple dimensions of interoceptive awareness, such as noticing, emotional awareness, self-regulation, and trusting bodily sensations and the Flourishing Scale (FS), which captures overall life satisfaction and psychological thriving were completed. It is expected that participants who have participated in the dance fitness and meditation practice for a greater period of time will report higher levels of IAw, which will, in turn, predict greater flourishing. Thus, our statistical model will be a moderated regression model with IAw as the predictor, time spent practicing dance fitness and meditation as the moderator and flourishing as the outcome variable of interest. By examining how these factors interact, this study can contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying psychological well-being. For example, while previous research has focused on the link between interoceptive awareness and psychopathology, this study expands the focus to positive psychological outcomes like flourishing. Additionally, the findings could have practical implications for developing interventions aimed at improving psychological well-being. For example, findings could demonstrate that incorporating interoceptive awareness training and mindfulness practices into therapy or wellness programs could be beneficial. When we’re in tune with ourselves, we’re better positioned to thrive.