Chapter 4: Navigating Change Mindfully: Examining Trait Mindfulness, Resilience, and Work–Life Enrichment in Shaping Life Satisfaction Among Indian Working Adults

This study explores the relationship between trait mindfulness and life satisfaction, focusing on its mediating effects through resilience and work–life enrichment while examining role overload as a moderating factor. Using the conservation of resources (COR) theory and the job demands–resources (JD-R) theory, the research integrates personal and job resources to offer a comprehensive understanding of how mindfulness fosters well-being in the context of work–life dynamics. Data were collected from Indian working adults aged 22–58, most of whom were employed in work-from-home arrangements, reflecting the growing prevalence of remote work. The research was conducted through two complementary studies to test the proposed model. Study 1 utilised a cross-sectional design with 246 participants and demonstrated that mindfulness positively impacts life satisfaction through resilience and work-to-life enrichment. Furthermore, role overload was found to moderate the relationship between work–life enrichment and life satisfaction, suggesting that excessive demands can hinder the positive effects of these resources. Study 2 adopted a longitudinal design with 200 participants to examine these relationships over time. The findings revealed a chained mediating effect of resilience and work-to-life enrichment between mindfulness and life satisfaction. However, the moderating role of role overload was not supported in the longitudinal analysis, suggesting that the impact of demands may vary depending on the temporal context. Overall, this research highlights the critical role of mindfulness in fostering resilience, enriching work–life experiences, and enhancing life satisfaction. It offers actionable insights for organisations, individuals, and policymakers to create healthier, more balanced, and productive work environments.