Abstract
Although alternative methods have been proposed, mindfulness is predominantly measured by means of self-assessment instruments.
Until now, several scales have been published and to some degree also psychometrically validated. The number of scales reflects
the widespread research interest. While some authors have started to compare the underlying concepts and operationalizations
of these scales, up to now no overview has been presented describing, contrasting, and evaluating the different methodological
approaches towards measuring mindfulness including questionnaires and alternative approaches. In light of this, the present
article summarizes the state of mindfulness measurement. Recommendations on how current measurement practice may be improved
are provided, as well as recommendations as to what measurement instruments are deemed to be most appropriate for a particular
research context.
Until now, several scales have been published and to some degree also psychometrically validated. The number of scales reflects
the widespread research interest. While some authors have started to compare the underlying concepts and operationalizations
of these scales, up to now no overview has been presented describing, contrasting, and evaluating the different methodological
approaches towards measuring mindfulness including questionnaires and alternative approaches. In light of this, the present
article summarizes the state of mindfulness measurement. Recommendations on how current measurement practice may be improved
are provided, as well as recommendations as to what measurement instruments are deemed to be most appropriate for a particular
research context.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category ORIGINAL PAPER
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s12671-012-0122-5
- Authors
- Sebastian Sauer, Generation Research Program, Human Science Center, Maximilian University of Munich, Prof. Max-Lange-Platz 11, 83646 Bad Tölz, Germany
- Harald Walach, Institute for Transcultural Health Studies, European University Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
- Stefan Schmidt, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
- Thilo Hinterberger, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Siobhan Lynch, King’s College, London, UK
- Arndt Büssing, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- Niko Kohls, Generation Research Program, Human Science Center, Maximilian University of Munich, Prof. Max-Lange-Platz 11, 83646 Bad Tölz, Germany
- Journal Mindfulness
- Online ISSN 1868-8535
- Print ISSN 1868-8527