Objective: Based on the mindfulness monitor and acceptance theory, mindfulness-to-meaning theory, and cognitive perspective for depression, this study aims to explore the relationship between mindfulness attention awareness level and depression among college students, as well as the mediate role of executive functions and emotion regulation. Method: In May 2024, a convenience sampling method was used to conduct a random survey of 765 college students through the Wenjuanxing online platform. The students y completed the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale(MAAS), the Web-based Executive Function Questionnaire(WEFQ), the Emotional Control Dimension in the Questionnaire of Adolescent’s Emotion Regulation Competence , and Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Versions of DASS-21. Result: The correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between college students’ mindfulness level, executive functions, emotional regulation, and depression; The regression analysis results show that mindfulness level has a significant negative predictive effect on depression among college students, and there is a chain mediation effect between mindfulness level and depression in terms of executive functions and emotional regulation. Conclusion: Mindfulness level can not only directly reduce depression of college students, but also relieve depression by enhancing their executive functions and emotional regulation competence.