Mindfulness in Military Medicine: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Army Medical Specialist Corps Officers’ Mindfulness Competency, Beliefs, and Tendencies
Alyssa D Frazier, Brian T Gregg, Elaina J DaLomba, Maria L Barefield
Military Medicine July 2, 2026 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usag306 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Concurrent triangulation mixed-methods study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 135 |
| Population | Active duty Army Medical Specialist Corps officers |
| Measures | Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire–Short Form (FFMQ-SF), Mindfulness Competency Questionnaire, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Health Belief Questionnaire |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Trait mindfulness, perceived competency in delivering mindfulness-based interventions, and integrative health beliefs were positively correlated (r = 0.25 to 0.45), with higher scores among officers reporting formal mindfulness training and higher perceived competency among occupational therapists. Interview findings identified perceived effectiveness, need for structured education, and limited implementation confidence, leading the authors to propose that structured mindfulness education in military medical training may enhance doctrinal alignment and provider readiness. |
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are formally endorsed within Army Holistic Health and Fitness doctrine to enhance mental readiness, cognitive performance, and psychological resilience. Despite growing empirical support for MBIs across civilian and military populations, provider preparedness for implementation within Army Medical Specialist Corps (SP) populations has not been systematically examined. This study evaluated relationships among trait mindfulness, perceived competency in delivering MBIs, and integrative health beliefs and explored implications for professional military medical education reform.
Materials and Methods: A concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design was employed. Active duty Army SP Corps officers (N = 135) completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire–Short Form (FFMQ-SF), Mindfulness Competency Questionnaire, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Health Belief Questionnaire. Pearson correlations, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analyses were conducted (α = .05). Fourteen semi-structured interviews underwent thematic analysis.
Results: Significant positive correlations were observed among trait mindfulness, perceived competency, and integrative health beliefs (r = 0.25–0.45, P < .05). Officers reporting formal mindfulness training demonstrated higher scores across measures (P < .05). Occupational therapists demonstrated higher perceived competency compared to other specialties (P < .001). Qualitative findings identified perceived effectiveness, need for structured education, and limited implementation confidence.
Conclusions: Structured integration of mindfulness education within professional military medical training may enhance doctrinal alignment and provider readiness.