Validation of the cognitive fusion questionnaire in regular meditators and persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Niklas Bergmann, Ingmar Conell, Inge Hahne, Marco Zierhut, Thi Minh Tam Ta, Eric Hahn, Kerem Böge
Frontiers in Psychology 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1748422 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial, cross-sectional, validation study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 940 |
| Population | Individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and non-clinical meditators |
| Intervention | mindfulness-based group therapy |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cognitive fusion Psychological flexibility Schizophrenia spectrum disorders Validation |
| Key findings | The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure across clinical and non-clinical samples, with mindfulness-based group therapy reducing cognitive fusion over time. |
Abstract
Cognitive fusion, a key construct in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), describes the overidentification with internal thoughts that compromises psychological flexibility and contributes to maladaptive emotion regulation. Cognitive defusion techniques aim to reduce this entanglement, promoting adaptive functioning and improved mental health. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) across diverse populations, focusing on reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change. Data were drawn from three studies involving individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and non-clinical meditators. In Study 1, regular meditators (N = 779) completed the original English CFQ. Study 2 assessed the German version (CFQ-D) in patients with SSD (N = 123). Study 3, a randomized controlled trial (N = 38), evaluated the CFQ-D's sensitivity to mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT). Internal consistency, correlations with the Southampton Mindfulness Questionnaire (SMQ), and pre-post changes were analyzed. The English CFQ showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.94) and strong negative correlations with the SMQ (r = -0.67). The CFQ-D demonstrated high reliability (α = 0.92) and moderate negative correlations with SMQ (r = -0.30). In Study 3, participants receiving mindfulness-based therapy showed reduced cognitive fusion over time. The CFQ is a reliable, valid measure of cognitive fusion across clinical and non-clinical samples.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- Cultivating mindfulness: effects on well‐being Journal of Clinical Psychology May 16, 2008
- Mindfulness, psychological flexibility and their relationship with psychopathology in persons with schizophrenia-spectrum-disorders and healthy controls - A multicenter cross-sectional study. Psychiatry Research December 1, 2023
- The relationship between mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and symptom severity in persons with schizophrenia-spectrum-disorders: a cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports June 4, 2025
- Yoga-Based Group Intervention for Inpatients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders-Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Outcomes of a Rater-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. Schizophrenia Bulletin November 16, 2024
- Mindfulness-based group therapy for inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders – feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial European Psychiatry November 17, 2023
and 1 more in the library