The association between mindfulness and social anxiety in university students: the chain mediation role of rumination and self-compassion.
Lufang Cai, Ang Li
Frontiers in Psychology April 23, 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1773864 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 860 |
| Population | University students (465 males, 395 females) |
| Topics | Meditation Anxiety |
| Keywords | Rumination Social anxiety University students Self-compassion |
| Key findings | Mindfulness was associated with lower social anxiety, and self-compassion and rumination mediated this relationship in a chain: greater mindfulness was linked to higher self-compassion, which was linked to lower rumination and ultimately lower social anxiety. The authors suggest mindfulness-based interventions may reduce social anxiety by enhancing self-compassion and decreasing rumination. |
Abstract
Background: This study examined the association between mindfulness and social anxiety among university students and tested the chain mediating roles of self-compassion and rumination.
Methods: Using random sampling and online surveys, 860 university students (465 males and 395 females) completed self-report measures of mindfulness, social anxiety, rumination, and self-compassion. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed relationships.
Results: Mindfulness was significantly associated with lower social anxiety. Self-compassion and rumination mediated this relationship. Specifically, greater mindfulness was associated with higher self-compassion, which was in turn associated with lower rumination and, ultimately, lower social anxiety.
Discussion: These findings suggest that mindfulness-based interventions may help reduce social anxiety by enhancing self-compassion and decreasing rumination. The results provide practical implications for educators and mental health professionals. Future research could further examine the long-term effects of these mediating mechanisms across different populations.
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
Cites 13
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Low-Intensity Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: Pilot Study International Journal of Cognitive Therapy June 30, 2023
- Mindfulness and negative emotions among Chinese college students: chain mediation effect of rumination and resilience. Frontiers in Psychology 2023
- Participation in Online Mindfulness was Associated with Improved Self-Compassion and Prosocial Attitudes Mindfulness July 1, 2023
- Impact of a Momentary Mindfulness Intervention on Rumination, Negative Affect, and their Dynamics in Daily Life. Affective Science June 1, 2025
and 8 more in the library