A Study of the Relationship between Mindfulness and Spirituality among Individuals Practicing Celibacy.

Abstract

Celibacy, mindfulness, and spirituality represent deeply interconnected dimensions of human consciousness that have been practised across cultures for centuries. Despite growing empirical interest in both mindfulness and spirituality as psychological constructs, their systematic relationship within celibate populations remains largely underexplored. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between mindfulness and spirituality among individuals practicing celibacy, and to explore gender differences in both constructs. A correlational research design was employed using purposive sampling. The sample consisted of individuals voluntarily practicing celibacy from Jammu & Kashmir. Data were collected using the Spirituality Measurement Scale (SMS) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), which assesses five dimensions of mindfulness: Observing, Describing, Acting with Awareness, Non-Judging, and Non-Reactivity. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and independent samples t-tests were computed using SPSS for data analysis. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between spirituality and overall mindfulness among celibate individuals. Among the mindfulness subscales, spirituality showed notable associations with Observing and Non-Reactivity. Genderbased analysis indicated differences in both spirituality and mindfulness scores between male and female celibate practitioners. These findings suggest that celibate practice may serve as a facilitative context for the co-development of spiritual orientation and mindful awareness, each reinforcing the other through shared mechanisms of self-regulation, present-moment attention, and intentional living. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on contemplative psychology and highlights the relevance of spirituality and mindfulness in understanding individuals who adopt celibacy as a conscious lifestyle choice. Implications for counselling practice and future research directions are discussed.