P02.107. Mindfulness and emotion regulation: the mediating role of coping self-efficacy

Abstract

Purpose Mindfulness, the nonjudgmental awareness of present moment experiences, has received increased scientific attention for its role in promoting mental health. Specifi-cally, mindfulness is associated with fewer difficulties regu-lating negative emotional states. Recent research has identified mediators of this relationship, including decreased rumination and greater positive emotions. Coping self-efficacy, one's perceived ability to effectively manage stressors, might be another important mediator, as Eastern philosophy contends that passive rather than active action can enhance a sense of personal control. The purpose of this study was to test whether coping self-efficacy mediated the relationships between specific mind-fulness skills and emotion regulation difficulties. Methods Undergraduate participants (N=300; Mage=21.25; 73% female; 83% White) completed questionnaires assessing four mindfulness skills (observing, describing, acting with awareness, accepting without judgment), coping self-effi-cacy, and emotion regulation difficulties. Pearson correla-tions were computed for each mindfulness skill and coping self-efficacy, and significant (p