Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples

TLDR

Mindfulness self‑report measures are thought to comprise five skills—observing, describing, acting with awareness, non‑judging, and non‑reactivity—which the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is designed to assess. The study examined the construct validity of the FFMQ in experienced meditators versus non‑meditating controls. Researchers analyzed correlations and performed regression and mediation analyses to assess how each FFMQ facet related to meditation experience, psychological symptoms, and well‑being. The results showed that most facets were significantly linked to meditation experience and psychological outcomes, with the observing facet’s association varying by experience, and that facets independently predicted well‑being and mediated the meditation–well‑being relationship, supporting the FFMQ’s construct validity.

Abstract

Previous research on assessment of mindfulness by self-report suggests that it may include five component skills: observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonjudging of inner experience, and nonreactivity to inner experience. These elements of mindfulness can be measured with the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). The authors investigated several aspects of the construct validity of the FFMQ in experienced meditators and nonmeditating comparison groups. Consistent with predictions, most mindfulness facets were significantly related to meditation experience and to psychological symptoms and well-being. As expected, relationships between the observing facet and psychological adjustment varied with meditation experience. Regression and mediation analyses showed that several of the facets contributed independently to the prediction of well-being and significantly mediated the relationship between meditation experience and well-being. Findings support the construct validity of the FFMQ in a combination of samples not previously investigated.