Influence of anxiety sensitivity on the observe facet of the five facet mindfulness questionnaire: differential item functioning in a clinical population.
Danielle Moskow Diamond, Joshua Curtiss, Joseph K. Carpenter, Masaya Ito, Stefan G Hofmann
BMC Psychiatry April 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-025-06488-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,521 |
| Population | Japanese individuals |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Anxiety sensitivity Cognitive External Internal Observe |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Higher anxiety sensitivity, particularly cognitive anxiety sensitivity, is associated with greater focus on internal sensations and less on external sensations during mindfulness. |
Abstract
Many individuals who engage in mindfulness experience decreased anxiety. Yet some individuals, particularly those with panic disorder (PD) or elevated anxiety sensitivity (AS), note heightened anxiety when observing particular sensations. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is one of the most widely utilized mindfulness questionnaires. However, its Observe facet has shown variability in the literature. This study explored a transdiagnostic approach to determine whether specific aspects of the Observe facet of the FFMQ differ in individuals with elevated anxiety sensitivity (AS). We examined a clinical sample of 1521 Japanese individuals who completed the FFMQ and Anxiety Sensitivity Index 3 (ASI-3). A multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) model approach was adopted utilizing latent variables to examine differential item functioning (DIF) of the Observe facet of the FFMQ, based on PD and/or AS diagnosis. This process was repeated to examine the relationship between the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) subscales and particular items of the Observe facet. The measurement model revealed good acceptability of a one-factor solution of the Observe facet (χ2 (20) = 208.73, p < 0.001). PD significantly predicted Observe (B = 0.09, R2 = 0.06, p = 0.008) and AS significantly predicted Observe (B = 0.02, R2 = 0.18, p < 0.001). Increased AS was associated with greater scores on observing internal items and lower scores on observing external items. When PD and AS were analyzed simultaneously, only AS remained significant. The cognitive subscale showed the same pattern of results as the total ASI-3 subscale. The findings of this study reveal that AS, particularly cognitive AS, may modulate the mindfulness experience. The study reveals the importance of understanding where an individual observes and its results may be beneficial for tailoring mindfulness interventions for individuals.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychological flexibility mediates the relations between acute psychedelic effects and subjective decreases in depression and anxiety. International sample of people who reported having used a psychedelic | 2020 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 985 |
| The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms Internet survey respondents reporting challenging experiences with psilocybin | 2016 | Questionnaire development and validation | |
| Psychedelics and Mental Health: A Population Study Adult population in the United States | 2013 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 130,152 |
| Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users Ecstasy users who participated in a WWW study of recreational drug use | 2002 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 282 |
| 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) used in a naturalistic group setting is associated with unintended improvements in depression and anxiety. Adults who used 5-MeO-DMT in a group setting with structured procedures | 2019 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 362 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Examining the relationships between mindfulness, emotion regulation, depression, and anxiety: a structural equation modeling approach. Frontiers in Psychology March 2, 2026
- Mindfulness-based intervention for patients with generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2026
- Mindfulness in trauma recovery: applications, insights, and future directions. Frontiers in Psychology November 6, 2025
Cites 12
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report Assessment September 1, 2004
- Does the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire measure what we think it does? Construct validity evidence from an active controlled randomized clinical trial. Psychological Assessment October 13, 2015
and 7 more in the library