Impact of mindfulness and self-compassion on anxiety and depression: The mediating role of resilience
Adrián Pérez-aranda, Javier García-campayo, F. Gudé, Juan V Luciano, Albert Feliu-Soler, A. González-Quintela, Yolanda López-del-hoyo, Jesus Montero-Marin
International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology March 11, 2021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2021.100229 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 860 |
| Population | Spanish general population participants |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | Resilience partially mediates the effect of mindfulness and self-compassion on depression but not on anxiety. |
Abstract
Background/Objective ‘Third-wave’ psychotherapies have shown effectiveness for treating psychopathological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. There is burgeoning interest in examining how these therapies’ core constructs produce their therapeutic benefits. This study explores the hypothetical mediating effect of resilience in the impact of mindfulness and self-compassion on anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Method: Cross-sectional study design. The sample consisted of 860 Spanish general population participants. The measures included the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-12), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS). Bivariate correlations were calculated, and path analysis models were performed.
Results: Significant correlations were found between the study variables, always in the expected direction (all p values <.001). The path analysis models showed significant direct effects of mindfulness and self-compassion on anxiety and depression symptoms, but the only significant indirect effects through resilience were found on depression (MAAS: β = -.05, 95% CI = -.11 to -.02; SCS-12: β = -.06, 95% CI = -.33 to -.07).
Conclusions: Resilience might partially mediate the effect of mindfulness and self-compassion on depression, but not on anxiety.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychological flexibility mediates the relations between acute psychedelic effects and subjective decreases in depression and anxiety. International sample of people who reported having used a psychedelic | 2020 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 985 |
| The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms Internet survey respondents reporting challenging experiences with psilocybin | 2016 | Questionnaire development and validation | |
| Psychedelics and Mental Health: A Population Study Adult population in the United States | 2013 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 130,152 |
| Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users Ecstasy users who participated in a WWW study of recreational drug use | 2002 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 282 |
| 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) used in a naturalistic group setting is associated with unintended improvements in depression and anxiety. Adults who used 5-MeO-DMT in a group setting with structured procedures | 2019 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 362 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Psychosocial-spiritual well-being is related to resilience and mindfulness in patients with severe and/or life-limiting medical illness BMC Palliative Care September 11, 2023
- Relative Impact of Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Resilience on Mental Health Outcomes in Racially Minoritized Adults. Psychological Reports November 16, 2023
- Synchronous Online Group MBCT vs. Guided Asynchronous Online MBCT for Mild to Moderate Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial Mindfulness March 1, 2026
- The effectiveness of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy programme for preventing relapse in patients with depression Research Square October 11, 2026
- Resisting Racial Microaggressions: Assessing the Moderated-Mediation Effects of Racial Microaggressions, Mindfulness Traits, Depression, and Purpose in Life Journal of Prevention and Health Promotion August 4, 2026
and 8 more in the library
Cites 13
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Clarifying the construct of mindfulness in the context of emotion regulation and the process of change in therapy. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators The Journal of Positive Psychology April 11, 2012
- Differential efficacy between cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies for chronic pain: Systematic review International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology October 23, 2020
- Mindfulness, Compassion, and Self-Compassion Among Health Care Professionals: What's New? A Systematic Review Frontiers in Psychology July 31, 2020
and 8 more in the library