Unraveling Heterogeneities in Mindfulness Profiles: a Review and Latent Profile Analysis of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Short‑Form (FFMQ‑SF) in the Spanish Population.
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2022
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Mindfulness
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Abstract
Objectives The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is one of the most common self-report instruments used in
scientific literature to assess mindfulness. However, mixed evidence has been provided regarding its psychometric properties.
Among them, the FFMQ seems to present latent classes or profiles with specific patterns in its facets, which might
explain said mixed evidence. This study explores mindfulness profiles in the Spanish population using the short form of the
FFMQ (FFMQ-SF) and its relations with relevant constructs (i.e., decentering, self-compassion, psychological well-being,
psychopathology, positive and negative states).
Methods A general population sample of 826 participants completed instruments measuring mindfulness and related constructs.
Latent profile analyses were applied to the FFMQ-SF facets, and profile membership of participants was estimated
for relations with related constructs.
Results Three latent profiles were found: General Mindfulness, Judgmentally Observing, and Non-judgmentally Aware.
General Mindfulness showed expected relations with other constructs, but the other two profiles showed some relations
opposite to prior literature: The Judgmentally Observing profile displayed functional behaviors while the Non-judgmentally
Aware profile showed an inverse mitigated pattern. Results could not be explained by gender, age, level of studies, or minimum
experience with meditation.
Conclusions Most people (68%) fall into mindfulness profiles that can be regarded as a continuum (e.g., an overall mindfulness
factor). However, the FFMQ-SF shows heterogeneities in its facets due to two unique latent profiles, namely “Judgmentally
Observing” (7.4%) and “Non-judgmentally Aware” (24.8%). While the structure of these profiles was replicated,
relations with relevant psychological constructs contradicted previous literature. Implications and recommendations for
future studies are discussed.
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Mindfulness, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Latent profile analysis, Self-compassion, Decentering