Introduction: The purpose of this study was modeling the role of the mediator of Mindfulness in the relationship between the basic mental needs and Physical health of medical students.
Methods: Methodology of the research in terms of the main strategy, was quantitative, in terms of the strategy, was field, and in terms of analytical, was descriptive-Correlation. The statistical population was students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences during the academic year 2017-2018. The sampling method was random. The sample size according to the Kregci-Morgan model and with error α = 0.05, was considered 240 persons. To collect data, the Mindfulness Knowledge Questionnaire (FFMQ) by Baer et al. (2006), basic mental needs (PNS) by Dyes and Ryan (2000), and the Physical Health Index (PHC) of Boardman (2004) were used. Validity of the tools was confirmed by the professors of education and psychology. Data were analyzed using two software’s SPSS vs. 22 and lisrel. 8.50 and analyzed by structural equation modeling.
Results: The results showed that the proposed model had suitable fit (x2/df = 1.49, GFI = 0.92, AGFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.91, NFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.046) and the component of basic mental needs has a direct and indirect effect through the component of mindfulness on Physical health (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Basic mental needs by mediating mindfulness are important components in the development and improvement of students' physical health. Therefore, attention to the factors of mindfulness and basic psychological needs to advance goals and efforts to push students toward effectiveness recommended and stressed.