The link between mindfulness and psychological well-being among university students: The mediating role of social connectedness and self-esteem

Mindfulness has been considered as a positive psychological trait that contributes to psychological well-being. This study investigated the mediating role of social connectedness and self-esteem in the link between mindfulness and psychological well-being. In this study, a sample of eight hundred and fifty-one students from three Chinese universities were selected to participate in the study. Participants filled in the questionnaires for mindfulness, social connectedness, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. Findings of the path analysis indicated social connectedness and self-esteem performed as a mediating role in the link between mindfulness and psychological well-being. In addition, the bootstrapping procedure demonstrated that the indirect effects of mindfulness on psychological well-being through social connectedness and self-esteem were significant. The study provides valuable implications to apply psychological interventions to improve students' psychological well-being.