Exploring the Effects of Interrelated Goals, Anxiety, and Mindfulness on Somatic Symptoms

Objectives Research has linked goal setting to improved well-being. Underlying mechanisms for how this works are not well understood. Prior research has explored the impact of interrelated goals (facilitation and conflict), client variables (anxiety and somatic symptoms), and anxiety-reducing procedures (meditation). The aim of this study was to use Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory to explore the relation between goal conflict, goal facilitation, anxiety, and mindfulness on somatic symptoms. Methods Undergraduate college students ( n =454) completed self-report measures assessing interrelated goals, generalized anxiety, mindfulness, and somatic symptoms. Results Structural equation modeling (SEM) tested our primary hypothesized model that anxiety would mediate interrelated goals and somatic symptoms. While the model demonstrated acceptable fit (CFI = .946, RMSEA = .066, SRMR = .050), and full mediation for goal conflict and somatic symptoms was found, goal facilitation did not. An alternative model removed goal facilitation, and found an even better fit (CFI = .954, RMSEA = .067, SRMR = .046). Mindfulness was conceptualized as an exogenous variable and SEM tested the relationship between goal conflict, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. This model fit the data well (CFI = .940, RMSEA = .062, SRMR = .053). While mindfulness significantly predicted goal conflict, and goal conflict predicted anxiety, the indirect effect between mindfulness and anxiety was not significant. Conclusions Setting goals is a complex process; goal conflict was associated with increased levels of anxiety and somatic symptoms. Those who endorse mindful practices were less affected by goal conflict.