The path from mindfulness to self-esteem: self-concept-clarity and cognitive flexibility as mediators

Abstract

Mindfulness is positively associated with self-esteem, yet little is known about possible mediators underlying this relation. In this study, the role of self-concept clarity and cognitive flexibility is examined as potential mediators. A predominantly female (78.9%) sample (N = 204) with a mean age of 31 years participated in a cross-sectional survey. They completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Self-Concept Clarity Scale, and the Cognitive Flexibility Scale. To examine relations between study variables, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted, and a parallel mediation model was performed using the Hayes’ process macro. The regression analysis explained 56% of variance in self-esteem, and all study variables were significant predictors, with self-concept clarity as the strongest predictor. The results found support for partial mediation, with self-concept clarity exhibiting a strong association with self-esteem (β = 0.47). The effect of cognitive flexibility was weaker but significant (β = 0.16). Self-concept clarity and cognitive flexibility partially explained the path from dispositional mindfulness to self-esteem. This could indicate an explanatory role of these two factors, and suggests possible processes by which mindfulness may enhance self-esteem.