Introduction: Defining and operationalizing wisdom as the pinnacle of psychological maturity is a multidimensional and complex task. Despite its theoretical and practical importance, research gaps still remain. Considering the role of life experiences in clarifying the concept of wisdom, the present study aimed to examine the relationships among wisdom, autobiographical memory, and future thinking, as well as the mediating roles of emotion regulation and exploratory reflection.
Methods: This study was conducted within a positivist paradigm using a quantitative approach and a correlational design based on path analysis. The population consisted of individuals aged 20 to 50, from whom 450 participants were selected through convenience sampling. The instruments included the Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Exploratory Reflection Scale, the Autobiographical Memory Test, and the Future Thinking Test. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 and AMOS-24.
Results: The proposed model demonstrated a good fit (GFI=0.98, CFI=0.97). The relationship between autobiographical memory and wisdom was significant, with emotion regulation as a mediator (P<0.001, β=-1.94). However, future thinking was not significant through this pathway (P=0.089, β=0.38). The pathway from autobiographical memory to wisdom through exploratory reflection was significant (P<0.001, β=0.29). The complete model explained 47% of the variance in wisdom, whereas the model without mediators explained only 14%.
Conclusion: The mediating variables of emotion regulation and exploratory reflection play an important role in explaining wisdom. According to the findings, wisdom is more closely related to how individuals regulate their emotions and reflect upon life than to the content of past experiences or future thinking. These findings may serve as a basis for psychological and educational interventions aimed at strengthening these skills.