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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)

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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.

Comparable studies

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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

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