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Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report

Ruth A. Baer, Gregory T. Smith, Kristin B. Allen

Assessment September 1, 2004 DOI: 10.1177/1073191104268029 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Psychometric study Peer reviewed
Population Undergraduate students and outpatients with borderline personality disorder
Topics Anxiety Meditation
Keywords Alexithymia Experiential avoidance Clinical psychology Neuroticism Personality Mental health Psychotherapist
Citations 2,283
Key points Mindfulness skills are differentially related to aspects of personality and mental health, including neuroticism, psychological symptoms, emotional intelligence, alexithymia, experiential avoidance, dissociation, and absorption.

Abstract

A self-report inventory for the assessment of mindfulness skills was developed, and its psychometric characteristics and relationships with other constructs were examined. Participants included three samples of undergraduate students and a sample of outpatients with borderline personality disorder Based on discussions of mindfulness in the current literature, four mindfulness skills were specified: observing, describing, acting with awareness, and accepting without judgment. Scales designed to measure each skill were developed and evaluated. Results showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability and a clear factor structure. Most expected relationships with other constructs were significant. Findings suggest that mindfulness skills are differentially related to aspects of personality and mental health, including neuroticism, psychological symptoms, emotional intelligence, alexithymia, experiential avoidance, dissociation, and absorption.

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