Associations between mindfulness and T'ai Chi Chih: Results of mixed methods observational study

Overview: This study seeks to understand the association between T'ai Chi Chih practice and mindfulness. In phase 1, an observational study was designed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) with older adult Tai Chi Chih students and teachers across America and Europe (n=387). Demographics: 79% Female, 90% White, mean age 72. 19% from UK/Europe.
Methods Phase 1: A self-report survey was made available to T'ai Chi Chih teachers & students between May and August 2025 collecting demographics and (MAAS) scores. A novel Intensity of Practice Score was developed incorporating duration, frequency, and years of practice. SPSS tests done include Pearson correlations between intensity and MAAS scores, and multi-regression analyses for combined and regional datasets.
Phase 2: currently in process as of the proposal submission deadline, we are gathering qualitative data using the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method as a guide, seeking deeper understanding of how Intention, Attitude and Attention shape meditative movement practice.
Results Phase 1: Data analysis was done with SPSS and MAPlab. Among four predictor variables, three Years of Practice, Frequency of Practice, and Age are significantly correlated with MAAS. Correlation of YOP with MAAS is r = +.21, p < .001; Correlation of FOP with MAAS is r = +.16, p < .01; Correlation of Age with MAAS is r = +.19, p < .001.
Phase 2: We expect to share preliminary results of qualitative analysis at the conference in June.
Conclusions: There is sufficient evidence that improved psychological well-being is correlated with mindfulness. Quantitative results show association between T’ai Chi Chih practice frequency and mindfulness. This outcome gives teachers specific guidance for their students to improve mindfulness: The more often we practice, the more mindful we become. A secondary, nevertheless important, outcome of this study is to encourage “research to practice” since the study can be easily and inexpensively replicated by the novice researcher (or teacher) interested in exploring and understanding mind-body integration in T'ai Chi Chih, T'ai Chi and Qigong practitioners.