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The Mediating Effect of Self-Acceptance in the Relationship Between Mindfulness and Peace of Mind

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Abstract

Previous research has shown increased mindfulness to be associated with enhanced subjective well-being and self-acceptance. Improvements in self-acceptance, in turn, predict positive outcomes in psychotherapy across a wide range of problems and populations. Peace of mind (PoM) represents a special case of subjective well-being that is particularly important in a traditional Chinese cultural context. This study explored the mediating influences of self-acceptance on the relationship between mindfulness and peace of mind. Two hundred and twelve participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Peace of Mind Scale, and Self-acceptance Questionnaire. Results showed that mindfulness was significantly positively correlated with peace of mind, and the positive association between mindfulness and peace of mind was mediated by self-acceptance. Limitations, clinical implications, and directions for future research are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the National Science Foundation of China (Project 31271114) and by the Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, People’s Republic of China

    Wei Xu, Qian Zhang & Xinghua Liu

  2. Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

    Marcus A. Rodriguez

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  1. Wei Xu
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  2. Marcus A. Rodriguez
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  3. Qian Zhang
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  4. Xinghua Liu
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Correspondence to Xinghua Liu.

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Xu, W., Rodriguez, M.A., Zhang, Q. et al. The Mediating Effect of Self-Acceptance in the Relationship Between Mindfulness and Peace of Mind. Mindfulness 6, 797–802 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-014-0319-x

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