The role of mindfulness, self-compassion and psychological resilience in predicting anxiety and depression in middle and late adulthood

The objective of this research is to examine the roles of mindfulness, psychological resilience, and self-compassion in predicting depression and anxiety among individuals in middle and late adulthood. A relational screening model was employed as the research methodology. The sample comprised 348 participants, including 191 females (%54.9) and 157 males (%45.1), aged between 40 and 92, selected through a convenience sampling method. Data collection instruments included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Connor-Davidson Psychological Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and a Personal Information Form. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, utilizing Independent Groups T-Test, One-Way ANOVA, Pearson Correlation Analysis, and regression analysis. The analysis indicated that participants exhibited above-normal levels of depression. Although females displayed higher levels of anxiety compared to males, no statistically significant differences were observed in self-compassion, mindfulness, psychological resilience, and depression levels based on gender. According to marital status, married individuals demonstrated higher levels of mindfulness and self-compassion compared to unmarried individuals, while experiencing lower levels of depression and anxiety. Employment status did not significantly affect levels of mindfulness, self-compassion, and psychological resilience; however, unemployed individuals exhibited higher levels of anxiety and depression, and lower levels of psychological resilience compared to employed individuals. Educational attainment did not significantly influence levels of mindfulness and psychological resilience. High school graduates exhibit higher levels of self-compassion compared to individuals with primary or lower education; individuals with primary or lower education demonstrated higher levels of anxiety compared to university graduates; and those with primary or lower education exhibited higher levels of depression compared to high school and university graduates. Age did not significantly correlate with mindfulness, psychological resilience, self-compassion, and anxiety, but a positive significant correlation was found between age and depression. Positive significant correlations were observed between mindfulness and both psychological resilience and self-compassion, while negative significant correlations were observed between mindfulness and both depression and anxiety. Psychological resilience was positively correlated with self-compassion and negatively correlated with both depression and anxiety. Self-compassion was negatively correlated with both depression and anxiety. A positive significant correlation was found between depression and anxiety. Mindfulness, psychological resilience, and self-compassion collectively explained approximately %23 of the variance in anxiety and %32 of the variance in depression.