Stress, mindfulness and differentiation-integration differences according the levels of spirituality

This research focuses on the relationship between spirituality and stress symptoms, mindfulness and the balanced-self variables. In this study, it was examined whether the stress symptoms, mindfulness levels and the balanced-self level differed significantly according to the spirituality levels of 266 female and male participants over the age of 18. Participants participated in the study online by the random sampling method. In the study; Demographic Information Form, Spirituality Scale (SS), Stress Symptoms Scale, Five- Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short (FFMQ-S) form and Balanced Integration- Differentiation Scale (BIDS) were applied. According to the findings of the study, the level of sensory awareness of the participants who do spiritual practice were found to be higher than those who did not spiritual practice. As expected in the study, a significant and positive relationship was observed between spirituality and the variable "interrelational" and "self-development" which are sub-dimensions of BIDS. "Sensory awareness", description of emotions" and "non-reactional observing and monitoring" mindfulness sub dimensions are related with spirituality in a meaningful and positive way. There was no significant relationship found between spirituality and stress symptoms. When looking at if the spirituality level has a significant relationship with the variables; the level of mindfulness and balanced-self score were lower in individuals who were grouped as low and medium-lower spiritual than those of middle-high and high spiritual. The level of spirituality yielded significant, positive results only on significant emotional symptoms relaying on stress symptoms. In the present study, the analyses were renewed with the Split File method in order to examine the differences between the male and female participants. According to the results of this analysis; Significant differences were observed between interrelational, self-development, sensory awareness, description of emotions, non-reactional observing and monitoring, and emotional stress symptom levels of female participants who were grouped as low spiritual, middle lower, middle upper and high. Significant difference was found between male participants, only interrelational and non-reactional observing and monitoring levels. The results have been discussed. Key Words: Mindfulness, stress symptomps, spirituality, balanced-self