Do you mind a closer look? A jingle-jangle fallacy perspective on mindfulness

Abstract

Mindfulness is defined inconsistently, and its various measures resemble established personality self-report scales. Therefore, jingle and jangle fallacies are likely to undermine the construct’s utility. To address these issues, we conducted two studies to test three hurdles of validity: 1) a sound definition and measurement model, 2) empirical distinctiveness, and 3) incremental criterion validity. We established an overarching and inclusive mindfulness definition covering twelve aspects. Based on this definition, we used an item sampling algorithm to select items from eight mindfulness scales. We established an eclectic bi-factor and a single-factor model, both fitting the data well. Bivariate latent variable correlations between a single mindfulness factor and big-five/six personality factors reached up to .68. Although 50% of mindfulness' variance was unaccounted for by the personality factors, it provided no meaningful incremental criterion validity over personality factors. Our results indicate that mindfulness has little or no incremental utility above established personality factors.

Sensory-processing sensitivity as a confounder in the positive relationship between mindful awareness and psychological distress: A theoretical review.

“…A. Baer et al, 2008), our explanation based on the items’ contents appears more robust and consistent with previous investigations, such as the study by Rudkin et al (2018). Additionally, another alternative hypothesis could involve neuroticism playing a confounding role, as suggested by the comprehensive analysis conducted by Altgassen et al (2023), which compared mindfulness scales and personality factors, in particular neuroticism. However, our findings seem to highlight the significant influence of external or sensitive stimulations in shaping the correlation between awareness and psychological distress, as predicted by SPS, rather than emotional awareness and dysregulation, which a stronger role of neuroticism would imply.…”

“…This finding is consistent with the analysis conducted by Rudkin et al (2018), who also concluded that the Observing scale of the FFMQ emphasizes a higher number of items related to external sensations and bodily awareness compared to emotional awareness. Furthermore, Altgassen et al (2023) found an unsatisfactory factor structure for mindfulness constructs derived from wellestablished mindfulness scales such as the FFMQ and PHLMS. Additionally, it is noteworthy that only a limited number of items across these three scales are dedicated to evaluating interoceptive or body awareness, with the majority of items primarily focusing on the impact of external sensations on present-moment awareness, neglecting the comprehensive assessment of internal bodily experiences (Bishop et al, 2004).…”

“Mindfulset”—Harnessing or unleashing learning potential through mindfulness mindset.

“…In the case of intelligence mindsets, we need to know whether and how this link is present in challenging situations. As beliefs about mindfulness skills is a sparsely investigated field, detailed future research is needed regarding how the mindfulness mindset construct fits into the large family of mindfulness-related constructs that are not always strongly related to relevant real-life outcomes above and beyond already examined personality variables (e.g., Altgassen et al, 2023).…”

Mind the Echo Chamber: Mindfulness as a Contemplative Practice That can Contribute to Public Health

“…Measures of dispositional mindfulness were created to provide an operationalization of what changes in mindfulness-based programs (see e.g., Baer, 2011). However, as an intervention with an ambiguous theoretical background, it may not be surprising that there is very little empirical support for dispositional or trait mindfulness as a psychological construct, nor is their adequate evidence to suggest dispositional mindfulness is the core mechanism by which mindfulness-based programs have their effects (Altgassen et al, 2023;Goldberg et al, 2019;Van Dam et al, 2018). Existing psychological constructs with a stronger theoretical and empirical basis, such as emotion regulation and decentering, may do a better job explaining how mindfulness meditation improves mental health than dispositional mindfulness (see, e.g., Goldberg et al, 2019).…”