Prediction of Wisdom Based on Spiritual Intelligence and Mindfulness in University Students

Objective: Given the importance of cultivating wisdom as a combination of deep knowledge, critical thinking, and self-awareness for academic success and professional life among university students, this study aimed to examine the predictive roles of spiritual intelligence and mindfulness in fostering wisdom. Methods: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design and was conducted as a field study during the 2022–2023 academic year. The statistical population included all students at universities in Tehran. A sample of 150 students (87 women and 63 men), aged between 20 and 40 years, was selected using convenience sampling. The instruments used in the study were King’s Spiritual Intelligence Questionnaire (2008), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire by Baer et al. (2006), and Ardelt’s Wisdom Scale (2003). After checking the assumptions, data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis in SPSS-26 software. Findings: The results indicated that the components of "meaning production" (β = 0.44) and "transcendental awareness" (β = 0.17) from spiritual intelligence, as well as the components of "describing" (β = 0.28) and "acting with awareness" (β = 0.38) from mindfulness, significantly predicted wisdom (p < 0.001). The spiritual intelligence model explained 29% (27% adjusted) of the variance in wisdom, while the mindfulness model accounted for 36% (34% adjusted) of the variance. Conclusion: The findings suggest that enhancing spiritual intelligence—particularly the components of meaning production and transcendental awareness—and mindfulness—especially the components of describing and acting with awareness—can contribute to the development of wisdom in students. These results underscore the importance of integrated educational programs in university settings to strengthen these psychological capacities.