Introcution: Research has indicated that mindfulness can significantly enhance athletic performance and mental health. However, the impact of this concept on sports participation and mental health among adolescents, particularly in girls, remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between mindfulness, sports participation, and mental health in adolescent girls, considering positive emotions and physical self-efficacy as mediating variables.

Methods: The current research employs a correlational design utilizing the structural equation modeling approach. The study's population consists of all second-grade female high school students in Tabriz, with a sample size of 384 participants. To assess the research variables, standardized questionnaires were administered, and statistical analysis was conducted using the PLS software for structural equation modeling.

Results: The results of path analysis showed that there was a significant structural relationship between mindfulness and sports participation (b=0.34), mental health (b=-0.28), positive emotions (b=0.51), and physical self-efficacy (b=0.47). In addition, positive emotions significantly mediated the relationship between mindfulness and sports participation (b=0.20) and mental health (b=-0.23). Finally, physical self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationship between mindfulness and sports participation (b=0.23) and mental health (b=-0.22).

Conclusion: This study indicates that adolescents exhibiting high levels of mindfulness engage more actively in sports and experience improved mental health outcomes. Furthermore, the presence of positive emotions and elevated physical self-efficacy emerges as crucial factors influencing the connection between mindfulness, sports participation, and mental well-being in this age group.