Exploring the interplay of spiritual intelligence, mindfulness, and thought-action fusion

Abstract

Background: Spiritual intelligence, though less explored, has shown potential links to various health-related outcomes. Examining it alongside mindfulness—which consistently relates to Thought-Action Fusion (TAF), a process that hinders present-moment awareness and fuels misunderstandings—can offer deeper insight into the interplay between these three constructs. Aim: To assess relationship of Spiritual Intelligence (SI) with Mindfulness and Thought Action Fusion in emerging adults. Design: It was a cross-sectional study conducted through an online survey with a sample of 60 emerging adults between age 23-30. The assessment measures included Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (SISRI-24), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and Thought Fusion Instrument (TFI). Results: The findings revealed SI and CET were negatively correlated with mindfulness and positively correlated with TAF. while PMP, TA and CSE displayed significant positive correlation with TAF. Conclusion: The contradictory findings in the current study can be attributed to age of the sample as emerging adulthood is age of disengagement form religious practices and comprises of existential crisis contributing to low SI in the age group.