Stressful life events and internalizing symptoms in emerging adults: The roles of mindfulness and gratitude

Abstract

The present study examines the indirect effect of stressful life events (SLEs) on internalizing symptoms via two cognitive assets, mindfulness and gratitude, in a sample of emerging adults (N = 256). The study of stressful life events and internalizing symptoms is particularly salient for the emerging adult population given the high rates of both SLEs and psychopathology during this developmental period. Mindfulness and gratitude have both been linked with mental health outcomes, yet they have not been examined in relation to SLEs and psychopathology. Results showed that the indirect association between SLEs and internalizing symptoms through mindfulness was statistically significant. Psychoeducational interventions for emerging adults following SLEs may benefit from the inclusion of cognitive assets such as gratitude and mindfulness.