Abstract
The present study describes the development of and results obtained from the first version of a new mindfulness scale: the
Comprehensive Inventory of Mindfulness Experiences beta (CHIME-β). The aim of the present analysis was to investigate two
relevant open questions in mindfulness assessment: (1) the coverage of aspects of mindfulness and (2) the type of interrelationships
among these aspects. A review of the aspects of mindfulness assessed by eight currently available mindfulness questionnaires
led to the identification of nine aspects of mindfulness. The CHIME-β was constructed in order to cover each of these aspects
in a balanced way. Initially, principal component and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as reliability and validity analyses,
were performed in the entire sample (n = 313) of individuals from the general population and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) groups. The factor structure
that emerged from this analysis was further investigated in meditation-trained individuals (n = 144) who had just completed an MBSR intervention. Results suggested a four-factor structure underlying the nine aspects
proposed. The relationship between these mindfulness factors appears to be influenced by the degree of meditation experience.
In fact, the mindfulness factors showed a greater interconnectedness among mediation-trained participants. Finally, data suggest
that a non-avoidant stance plays a central role in mindfulness, while the capacity to put inner experiences into words may
be related to mindfulness rather than a component of the construct.
Comprehensive Inventory of Mindfulness Experiences beta (CHIME-β). The aim of the present analysis was to investigate two
relevant open questions in mindfulness assessment: (1) the coverage of aspects of mindfulness and (2) the type of interrelationships
among these aspects. A review of the aspects of mindfulness assessed by eight currently available mindfulness questionnaires
led to the identification of nine aspects of mindfulness. The CHIME-β was constructed in order to cover each of these aspects
in a balanced way. Initially, principal component and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as reliability and validity analyses,
were performed in the entire sample (n = 313) of individuals from the general population and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) groups. The factor structure
that emerged from this analysis was further investigated in meditation-trained individuals (n = 144) who had just completed an MBSR intervention. Results suggested a four-factor structure underlying the nine aspects
proposed. The relationship between these mindfulness factors appears to be influenced by the degree of meditation experience.
In fact, the mindfulness factors showed a greater interconnectedness among mediation-trained participants. Finally, data suggest
that a non-avoidant stance plays a central role in mindfulness, while the capacity to put inner experiences into words may
be related to mindfulness rather than a component of the construct.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s12671-012-0102-9
- Authors
- Claudia Bergomi, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Department of Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Laupenstrasse 49, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Wolfgang Tschacher, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Department of Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Laupenstrasse 49, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Zeno Kupper, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Department of Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Laupenstrasse 49, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Journal Mindfulness
- Online ISSN 1868-8535
- Print ISSN 1868-8527