The Mediating Effects of Spirituality and Self-Acceptance on the Relationship between Mindfulness and Depression among College Students

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effects of spirituality and self- acceptance on the relationship between mindfulness and depression among college students. The self-report survey data of 538 college students from a local university were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The results of the analyses indicated that all the paths to depression were significant except for the one from spirituality to depression. Between mindfulness and depression, self-acceptance served as a mediator. Also, the dual-mediated effect of spirituality and self-acceptance was significant. This study additionally examined gender differences in the hypothetical path model using multi-group analysis. It was shown that this relationship structure was present both in male and in female students. Finally, implications and limitations of the study were discussed.