Abstract
This paper describes the development of a Japanese version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), currently the
most comprehensive measure of mindfulness. This measure was derived using a joint factor analysis of five pre-existing measures.
Evaluation of a Japanese version using a large sample of Japanese college students (total N = 1,349; mean age = 19.26, SD = 2.86, range = 18–63, 58% women) revealed preliminary evidence of sound psychometric properties. Exploratory and confirmatory
factor analyses supported the measure’s original five-factor structure: observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging,
and nonreactivity. In addition, a hierarchical factor structure was found, with a second-order factor of mindfulness being
related to four of the five specific factors (observing was the exception). This factor structure is consistent with previous
findings from a sample unselected for meditation experience. All five subscales (facets) and the total score had acceptable
to good internal consistency. Construct validity was demonstrated via expected correlations with related measures. Mindfulness
facets were generally positively associated with adaptive psychological functioning. Specific correlates did differ across
the five facets, providing further support for the multidimensional nature of mindfulness. The correlates of observing facet
were suggestive of more maladaptive outcomes, replicating results obtained with unselected and nonmeditating samples. Overall,
the Japanese version of the FFMQ appears to have psychometric properties comparable to those of the original version, warranting
its use in future studies.
most comprehensive measure of mindfulness. This measure was derived using a joint factor analysis of five pre-existing measures.
Evaluation of a Japanese version using a large sample of Japanese college students (total N = 1,349; mean age = 19.26, SD = 2.86, range = 18–63, 58% women) revealed preliminary evidence of sound psychometric properties. Exploratory and confirmatory
factor analyses supported the measure’s original five-factor structure: observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging,
and nonreactivity. In addition, a hierarchical factor structure was found, with a second-order factor of mindfulness being
related to four of the five specific factors (observing was the exception). This factor structure is consistent with previous
findings from a sample unselected for meditation experience. All five subscales (facets) and the total score had acceptable
to good internal consistency. Construct validity was demonstrated via expected correlations with related measures. Mindfulness
facets were generally positively associated with adaptive psychological functioning. Specific correlates did differ across
the five facets, providing further support for the multidimensional nature of mindfulness. The correlates of observing facet
were suggestive of more maladaptive outcomes, replicating results obtained with unselected and nonmeditating samples. Overall,
the Japanese version of the FFMQ appears to have psychometric properties comparable to those of the original version, warranting
its use in future studies.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s12671-011-0082-1
- Authors
- Yoshinori Sugiura, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-7-1, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-8521, Japan
- Atsushi Sato, Faculty of Human Development, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Yoshinori Ito, Faculty of Education, Ryukyu University, Okinawa, Japan
- Hiroki Murakami, Japan Foundation for Neuroscience and Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Journal Mindfulness
- Online ISSN 1868-8535
- Print ISSN 1868-8527