Examining the Impact of Mindfulness on Academic Emotions and Cognitive Flexibility among Undergraduates in Chinese Higher Education

This study examined the impact of mindfulness on academic emotions (AE) and cognitive flexibility (CF) among undergraduate Chinese students. Data was collected from 403 participants using three validated instruments: the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the shortened Academic Emotions Quest...

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Main Authors: Liu Jia, Chuyi Cai, Aarti Pushp Rawal
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2025-08-01
Series:SAGE Open
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440251361661
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author Liu Jia
Chuyi Cai
Aarti Pushp Rawal
author_facet Liu Jia
Chuyi Cai
Aarti Pushp Rawal
author_sort Liu Jia
collection DOAJ
description This study examined the impact of mindfulness on academic emotions (AE) and cognitive flexibility (CF) among undergraduate Chinese students. Data was collected from 403 participants using three validated instruments: the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the shortened Academic Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ-S), and the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS). Descriptive statistics were analysed using SPSS, and path analysis was conducted using SMART PLS 4. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between mindfulness and both AE and CF. AE also significantly mediated the relationship between mindfulness and CF. However, no significant moderating effect was found, indicating that mindfulness directly influences CF regardless of students’ emotional states. This study introduces a novel Mindful Learning Integration Framework (MLIF), which offers practical guidance for incorporating mindfulness practices into educational settings to enhance emotional well-being and cognitive flexibility. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and a cross-sectional design, which restricts causal inference. Future research may employ longitudinal designs and consider additional variables such as motivation and study habits. Overall, the study highlights the potential of mindfulness as a foundational skill to support academic success among undergraduates
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issn 2158-2440
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spelling doaj-art-2ce34f55aacd4977ab491aeba4bdbf912025-08-20T03:43:51ZengSAGE PublishingSAGE Open2158-24402025-08-011510.1177/21582440251361661Examining the Impact of Mindfulness on Academic Emotions and Cognitive Flexibility among Undergraduates in Chinese Higher EducationLiu Jia0Chuyi Cai1Aarti Pushp Rawal2Hebei Vocational University of Industry and Technology, Shijiazhuang, ChinaUniversity College London, UKSEGi University, Petaling Jaya, MalaysiaThis study examined the impact of mindfulness on academic emotions (AE) and cognitive flexibility (CF) among undergraduate Chinese students. Data was collected from 403 participants using three validated instruments: the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the shortened Academic Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ-S), and the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS). Descriptive statistics were analysed using SPSS, and path analysis was conducted using SMART PLS 4. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between mindfulness and both AE and CF. AE also significantly mediated the relationship between mindfulness and CF. However, no significant moderating effect was found, indicating that mindfulness directly influences CF regardless of students’ emotional states. This study introduces a novel Mindful Learning Integration Framework (MLIF), which offers practical guidance for incorporating mindfulness practices into educational settings to enhance emotional well-being and cognitive flexibility. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and a cross-sectional design, which restricts causal inference. Future research may employ longitudinal designs and consider additional variables such as motivation and study habits. Overall, the study highlights the potential of mindfulness as a foundational skill to support academic success among undergraduateshttps://doi.org/10.1177/21582440251361661
spellingShingle Liu Jia
Chuyi Cai
Aarti Pushp Rawal
Examining the Impact of Mindfulness on Academic Emotions and Cognitive Flexibility among Undergraduates in Chinese Higher Education
SAGE Open
title Examining the Impact of Mindfulness on Academic Emotions and Cognitive Flexibility among Undergraduates in Chinese Higher Education
title_full Examining the Impact of Mindfulness on Academic Emotions and Cognitive Flexibility among Undergraduates in Chinese Higher Education
title_fullStr Examining the Impact of Mindfulness on Academic Emotions and Cognitive Flexibility among Undergraduates in Chinese Higher Education
title_full_unstemmed Examining the Impact of Mindfulness on Academic Emotions and Cognitive Flexibility among Undergraduates in Chinese Higher Education
title_short Examining the Impact of Mindfulness on Academic Emotions and Cognitive Flexibility among Undergraduates in Chinese Higher Education
title_sort examining the impact of mindfulness on academic emotions and cognitive flexibility among undergraduates in chinese higher education
url https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440251361661
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