Can We Agree What Skilled Mindfulness-Based Teaching Looks Like? Lessons From Studying the MBI:TAC.
Rebecca S. Crane, Frederick M Hecht, Judson A. Brewer, Gemma M Griffith, Wendy Hartogensis, Lynn S Koerbel, Patricia J Moran, Sophie A Sansom, Alison Yiangou, Willem Kuyken
Global Advances in Health and Medicine October 13, 2020 DOI: 10.1177/2164956120964733 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Training evaluation study with qualitative and quantitative data Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | Senior mindfulness-based program teachers from different regions internationally |
| Measures | Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Fidelity Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Mindfulness-based stress reduction Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Key findings | A structured online training program for MBI:TAC assessors was well received and produced high interrater reliability at the end of training, ranging from 0.67 to 1.0, with participants' ratings becoming progressively more aligned with one another and with benchmark ratings. The authors conclude that senior mindfulness-based program trainers from different regions can align toward common understandings of teaching competence and program integrity. |
Abstract
Background: The Mindfulness-Based
Interventions: Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC) is a widely used tool for assessing fidelity in mindfulness-based program (MBP) research and training. It also supports MBP teacher reflective and skill development. MBI:TAC assessors review MBP teaching and rate the teaching on 6 domains. The MBI:TAC yields individual domain and overall scores, using 6 levels of competence. Although the MBI:TAC is widely used in MBP research and training, research is at an early stage.
Objective: We developed and tested a method of training MBI:TAC assessors to use the tool reliably and examined interrater reliability of the tool.
Methods: A total of 31 international senior MBP teachers were recruited to join an online training to build their skills in using the MBI:TAC. The training systematically and iteratively built familiarity and skills in assessing the 6 MBI:TAC domains. Qualitative and quantitative data on trainee's experience of the training were gathered. Interrater reliability in using the tool was tested each week of the training. At the end of the training, interrater reliability was tested by asking trainees to individually assess videos that they had not previously seen. Their ratings were compared to benchmark assessments, which had been established via consensus agreement between 4 expert users of the MBI:TAC.
Results: The training was well received and appreciated, with some challenges experienced in applying the assessment methodology. Participants' ratings became progressively more in line with one another and the benchmark ratings during the training. At the end, interrater reliability was high (ranging from 0.67 to 1.0).
Conclusion: It is possible for senior MBP trainers, coming from different regions in the world, to align toward common understandings of the elements of MBP teaching competence and program integrity. An assessor training methodology was tested, and the learning from this project has led to refinements for future delivery.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- School-based mindfulness: Application of the PARiHS framework to contextualize implementation. Journal of school psychology April 1, 2025
- A Validation Study of the Mindfulness-Based Interventions Teaching Assessment Criteria for Assessing Mindfulness-Based Intervention Teacher Skill: Inter-Rater Reliability and Predictive Validity. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health 2024
- Intervention Fidelity in Mindfulness-Based Research and Practice: Overview of the Special Collection and State of the Field. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health 2025
- The Experience of Silent Teacher-Led Residential Retreats During Mindfulness-Based Teacher Training Mindfulness August 1, 2025
- Mindfulness-Based Teaching Competency Assessment: Comparing Self-Assessment With Expert Evaluation in the Veterans Administration - Compassionate Awareness Learning Module Program. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health 2023
and 2 more in the library
Cites 4
- What defines mindfulness-based programs? The warp and the weft Psychological Medicine December 29, 2016
- Prospects for a clinical science of mindfulness-based intervention. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
- Intervention Integrity in Mindfulness-Based Research. Mindfulness 2018
- Teacher Competence in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression and Its Relation to Treatment Outcome Mindfulness January 12, 2017