Understanding the Relationship Between Trait Mindfulness and Perceived Stress: The Serial Multiple Mediating Roles of Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Psychological Flexibility

Although research suggests that trait mindfulness has been negatively associated with perceived stress, an integrative examination of the underlying mechanisms is lacking. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to establish an integrative model within Monitor and Acceptance Theory (MAT). This model examined the relationship between trait mindfulness and perceived stress by assessing two important psychological resources: basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS) and psychological flexibility. A total of 679 young adults (Mage = 19.27 years, SD = 1.06) participated in this research. They completed a set of standardized instruments that assessed trait mindfulness, BPNS, psychological flexibility, and perceived stress. Serial multiple mediation analyses showed that trait mindfulness was associated with higher levels of BPNS and psychological flexibility, which in turn were associated with less perceived stress. Furthermore, the path coefficient of the serial multiple mediation was higher than other pathways. These findings demonstrate that BPNS and psychological flexibility are important mechanisms that underlie the relationship between trait mindfulness and perceived stress, particularly when they are synergistic.