Mindfulness and Core Socialist Values Predict the Psychological Health of College Students: A Study on the Influence of Self-enhancement

Abstract

Objective: In the context of rising concerns about the psychological well-being of college students in China, this study explores the predictive effects of mindfulness, core socialist values, and self-enhancement on their psychological health. These factors are of particular interest due to their relevance to emotional regulation, social support, and self-perception, which are critical in a rapidly changing social environment. Methods: The study involved 487 college students from colleges in Yunnan Province. Participants completed the Core Socialist Values Scale, Mindfulness Scale, Comprehensive Psychological Health Assessment Questionnaire (including Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and Satisfaction with Life Scale), and Self-enhancement Strategy Questionnaire. Data were collected through online questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 27. Results: Correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between mindfulness and psychological health (r = 0.50, p < 0.01), and between core socialist values and psychological health (r = 0.29, p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between self-enhancement and psychological health (r = -0.03, p > 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that mindfulness significantly predicted psychological health (adjusted R² = 0.24), and core socialist values also significantly predicted psychological health (adjusted R² = 0.08). The regression model combining mindfulness and core socialist values predicted psychological health more significantly (adjusted R² = 0.26). Conclusion: The results indicate that both mindfulness and core socialist values significantly predict the psychological health of college students, while self-enhancement does not. Mindfulness promotes psychological health by enhancing self-awareness and emotional regulation, while core socialist values enhance it by strengthening social support and value identification. These findings provide a theoretical basis for psychological health interventions for college students, suggesting the combined use of mindfulness practices and values education to promote psychological health.