Mindfulness and Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation

The beneficial effect of mindfulness (M) or non-judgemental awareness and the acceptance of present-moment experience on mental health and well-being has been well confirmed by previous research. However, the mechanisms by which M exerts this beneficial influence have not been sufficiently explored. The aim of the present study was to examine the interrelationships between M, cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies and negative affective states (depression, anxiety, and stress). In addition, we examined the potential mediating role of CER strategies in the relationship between M and negative affective states. The study, which was conducted online, included 365 subjects of a wider age range (between 19 and 68 years). The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale were applied. The results mainly support the partial mediation model, according to which higher levels of M, in addition to directly reducing depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, also indirectly decrease the symptoms of these negative affective states, through usage of CER strategies. The results of the study indicate the possible important role of interventions focused on developing US and adaptive strategies