The Mediating Effects of Thought Suppression, Emotion Suppression, and Self-Esteem on the Relationship between Mindfulness and Depression in Youth: A Cross-Sectional Study

AbstractBackground Youths are particularly susceptible to depression, as they face a critical but vulnerable phase of cognitive development. Cognitive interventions for youth depression are therefore warranted. Mindfulness, considered as the third wave of the cognitive revolution, shows great potential to address risk factors of depression, especially suppression and low self-esteem. Therefore, this study aims to explore the mediating role of thought suppression, emotion suppression, and self-esteem between mindfulness and depressive symptoms. Methods A sample of 607 participants (age = 22.00 ± 2.63 years, 62.1% female) completed a questionnaire regarding mindfulness, thought suppression, emotion suppression, self-esteem, and depression. Data were analyzed using linear regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results (1) The results showed that the total effect of mindfulness on depression was − 0.642. The direct mediating effects of self-esteem and thought suppression were − 0.407 and − 0.086, respectively. The chain mediating effects of emotion suppression–thought suppression and emotion suppression–self-esteem were − 0.035 and − 0.037, respectively, while the direct effect of mindfulness on depression was not significant (p = 0.174). (2) Among the five facets of mindfulness, acting with awareness, non-judgment, and describing were the strongest predictors of self-esteem (β = 0.419), thought suppression (β= −0.425), and emotion suppression (β= −0.292), respectively. Conclusions Thought suppression and self-esteem directly mediated the relationship between mindfulness and depression. There were also chain mediating effects of emotion suppression–thought suppression and emotion suppression–self-esteem on the relationship between mindfulness and depression. Different mindfulness facets play various roles in the relationship. These findings may provide useful suggestions for intervention and prevention of depression.