Development and Validation of the Mindfulness Meditation Practice Quality Scales (MMPQS) in a Clinical Population Using Rasch Analysis

Abstract

Objectives With mindfulness programs and practice research increasing, measures have been developed to assess mindfulness-related constructs. However, to our knowledge, there has not yet been a measure to examine the quality of mindfulness meditation practices. This study aimed to develop and validate the Mindfulness Meditation Practice Quality Scales (MMPQS) in a clinical population.

Method The MMPQS consists of two scales: Concentration (śamatha) and Insight (vipassanā). Ten items were initially formulated for each scale. A total of 368 clinical participants undertaking Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT) contributed data, completing each scale immediately after the relevant practice on two measurement occasions; observations from both occasions were combined for Rasch analysis (Concentration n = 414; Insight n = 313). The Partial Credit Rasch model was applied to investigate psychometric properties of each scale as they represent two distinct dimensions.

Results Best Rasch model fit was achieved after removing misfitting items resulting in six-item versions of Concentration and Insight scales. Both showed high reliability (PSI = 0.89–0.94), invariance across personal factors, and unidimensionality. Construct and predictive validity of the six-item scales were supported, with particular support for divergent validity, by correlations with relevant measures in expected directions.

Conclusions This initial validation supported reliability and validity of the MMPQS as measures of Concentration and Insight practice quality, which can be utilized to support research and practice. Future research recommendations include testing the MMPQS in nonclinical populations, across more culturally heterogeneous samples, as well as other mindfulness-based programs.