Developing a Relational Model of Mindfulness with Rumination and Distress Tolerance: The Mediating Role of Emotional Safety in Adolescents with Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a relational model of mindfulness with rumination and distress tolerance, considering the mediating role of emotional safety in adolescents with depressive symptoms. This research is classified as fundamental in terms of purpose and employs a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling. The sampling method used in this study was convenience sampling, whereby 100 individuals with depressive symptoms were identified after visiting counseling and psychotherapy centers in Ahvaz and were selected to participate in the study. The participants completed the relevant questionnaires. Data were collected using the Distress Tolerance Scale by Simmons and Gaher (2005), the Rumination Scale by Morrison and O'Connor (2008), the Mindfulness Scale by Brown and Ryan (2003), and the Emotional Safety Scale by Brunner (2008). Descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including Pearson correlation and path analysis, were used to analyze the data, utilizing SPSS version 26 and AMOS software. The results indicated that the predictive model of rumination and distress tolerance based on mindfulness, mediated by emotional safety in adolescents with depressive symptoms, demonstrated an acceptable fit. This finding suggests that within this model, rumination and distress tolerance in adolescents with depression can be significantly and adequately predicted based on mindfulness. Moreover, the mediating role of emotional safety in the interaction between the predictor and criterion variables was confirmed at a significant level.