Mindfulness, Difficulties in Emotional Regulation, Negative and Positive Affect as Predictors of Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Distress in Early Adolescence

Background/Objectives: The high prevalence of anxiety and depression in early adolescents, along with the significant disability these conditions, represent a major challenge for mental health. This data underscores the need to understand the variables that predict mental health in this developmental period. Objective: Evaluate the predictive role of mindfulness, difficulties in emotional regulation, and positive and negative affect on anxiety, depression, and psychological distress at the end of childhood and the beginning of adolescence. Method: A cross-sectional predictive design was carried out, evaluating 259 children and early adolescents aged 8 to 12 years. Multiple regression analyses were conducted using the stepwise method to determine the predictive capacity of mindfulness, difficulties in emotional regulation, and positive and negative affect on anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Results: Difficulties in emotional regulation have a predictive role on anxiety and depression; negative affect on anxiety and psychological distress; and low positive affect (anhedonia) on depression. Low levels of dispositional mindfulness presented a predictive role on depression and psychological distress. Conclusion: Strengthening skills such as emotional regulation and mindfulness during this period of life could be important for the prevention of highly prevalent mental health disorders that have a negative and prolonged impact on adolescents' lives.