In this study, mindful attention awareness (MAA) and cognitive flexibility (CF) were considered as structures that protect the mental health of teacher trainees. The main purpose of the study is to examine the relationships between mindful attention awareness, cognitive flexibility levels, and mental symptoms of teacher trainees. The sample is consisted of 396 teacher trainees from Turkey. Data were collected by Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Brief Symptom Inventory. The model was predictive associational survey model. Data analyses were made by Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression techniques. Significant negative correlations were found between mental symptoms and both mindful attention awareness and cognitive flexibility, especially its control sub-dimension. As a result of regression analysis mindful attention awareness and cognitive flexibility control sub-dimensions together explain 31% of mental symptoms. MAA co-operates with CF as mental health protective structures, and the growth of mindful attention awareness creates positive effects on cognitive flexibility.