Critical thinking and flourishing among Turkish university students: The mediating role of self-efficacy and mindfulness

Abstract Critical thinking, self-efficacy, mindfulness, and flourishing are crucial for individuals’ psychological well-being. Although studies examine the relationships between critical thinking and mental health, research showing how this relationship manifests in university students is limited. This study investigates the mediating role of self-efficacy and mindfulness in the effect of critical thinking on flourishing among university students. The study involved 403 university students. Data were collected using the critical thinking disposition scale, general self-efficacy scale, mindfulness scale, and flourishing scale. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings showed that critical thinking positively affected flourishing (β = 0.82). Additionally, self-efficacy (β = 0.30) and mindfulness (β = 0.11) partially mediate the relationship between critical thinking and flourishing, as the direct effect of critical thinking remained significant even after including these mediators. This study highlights the importance of critical thinking, self-efficacy, and mindfulness in the flourishing levels of university students. It is recommended that universities implement holistic programs that develop students’ critical thinking, strengthen their self-efficacy beliefs, and encourage mindfulness practices. This approach could effectively enhance students’ psychological well-being and academic success.