Well-Being of First-Time Voters in Nigeria: Predictive Influence of Decentring and Mindfulness

Abstract

The mind in response to the outcome of election process is a factor on how such outcome can influence well-being of first-time voters. Holding different perspectives to the election and outcome in decentering, and being consciously aware of internal state and surrounding, not judging or reacting to it in mindfulness could add value to the well-being of first-time voters. This study explored the predictive influence of decentering and mindfulness on the well-being of first-time voters in Nigeria. The participants of the study were 594 (males = 226; females = 366) undergraduate students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus. Ages of the participants ranged between 18 and 32 (M_age = 20.75; SD = 3.24) years. Test of hypotheses using multiple linear regression analysis (Enter Method) revealed an omnibus effect of mindfulness and decentering on well-being of first-time voters, F(6,593) = 2.80, P<.05. Further, decentering positively predicted well-beingP< .05 while mindfulness had negative prediction on well-being of first-time voters. This study suggests the need not to use mindfulness in isolation of decentering while building positive intervention to enhance well-being of first-time voters after an election. The implication is that positive psychotherapy interventions should consider to combine mindfulness practice with decentering for effectiveness in promoting well-being of first-time voters.