Psychological Inflexibility, Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Self-compassion, and Anxiety in Adults: A Serial Mediation Model
Engin Büyüköksüz, Rana Kayaalp-pehlivan
Muğla Sıtkı Koçman Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi May 29, 2025 DOI: 10.21666/muefd.1643883 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional quantitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 443 |
| Population | University students |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | Psychological inflexibility predicted higher anxiety, and this relationship was partially mediated by mindfulness, emotion regulation, and self-compassion. Psychological inflexibility was associated with greater emotion-regulation difficulties and lower mindfulness and self-compassion, which in turn contributed to higher anxiety. The authors argue these findings support targeting psychological flexibility, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and self-compassion in interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. |
Abstract
This study examines the mediating roles of mindfulness, emotion regulation, and self-compassion in the relationship between psychological inflexibility and anxiety in adults. The research was conducted within the scope of a quantitative study using a cross-sectional design, and data were collected from 443 university students. Participants completed validated measurement instruments assessing psychological inflexibility, mindfulness, emotion regulation, self-compassion, and anxiety. Mediation analyses revealed that psychological inflexibility significantly predicted higher levels of anxiety and that this relationship was partially mediated by mindfulness, emotion regulation, and self-compassion. Specifically, psychological inflexibility was found to increase difficulties in emotion regulation and negatively affect mindfulness and self-compassion, which in turn contributed to higher anxiety levels. These findings highlight the importance of targeting psychological flexibility, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and self-compassion in clinical interventions aimed at reducing anxiety. The results provide empirical support for acceptance-based interventions, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, in promoting psychological well-being.