The Mediating Role of Mindfulness Between Impulsive Sensation Seeking and Readiness for Change Among Clients With Substance Use Disorders.

Objective: Examine the mediating role of mindfulness between impulsive sensation seeking and readiness for change.

Design: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted.

Methods: A convenient sample of 200 clients with substance use disorders was recruited. Data were collected using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Impulsive Sensation Seeking scale, and the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale.

Results: A significant positive correlation was found between mindfulness and readiness for change (r = 0.174, p = 0.014), and a significant negative correlation between readiness for change and impulsive sensation seeking (r = -0.219, p = 0.002). Impulsivity (mean percent score = 80.25%) and sensation-seeking traits (mean percent score = 78.73%) negatively impacted readiness for change. Mindfulness partially mediated the relationship between impulsive sensation seeking and readiness for change (indirect effect = -0.056, p = 0.005).

Conclusion: Mindfulness-based interventions show potential to enhance readiness for change by mitigating impulsivity. Addressing the interplay between impulsive sensation seeking, mindfulness, and readiness for change may promote recovery in clients with substance use disorders. While sustained recovery was not longitudinally assessed, findings suggest pathways for future investigation.

Nursing implications: Psychiatric nurses must incorporate mindfulness interventions, regular assessments of impulsivity, and tailored care plans in their care for clients with substance use disorders. Educating patients on mindfulness benefits and providing continuous support through the change process might improve substance use disorders treatment outcomes. By integrating these strategies, psychiatric nurses can significantly enhance the effectiveness of substance use disorders treatments.