13-04-2023 | ORIGINAL PAPER
A Network Investigation of Core Mindfulness Processes
Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness | Uitgave 4/2023
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Objectives
Mindfulness has been associated with improved psychological wellbeing and health, although outcomes from mindfulness-based interventions are mixed. One challenge is a limited understanding about which specific processes are core to mindfulness. Network analysis offers a method to characterize the core processes of mindfulness.
Method
This study used network analysis to identify which processes are central to mindfulness (have the strongest connectivity with other mindfulness processes) as measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire—Short Form, analyzed at item level, in a sample of 505 adults who smoked cigarettes. Data were obtained from baseline of a randomized clinical trial of smartphone app–based mindfulness training for smoking cessation.
Results
The most central processes in the mindfulness network included, “I think some of my emotions are bad or inappropriate and I shouldn’t feel them,” an aspect of Non-judgment/acceptance; as well as “I can easily put my beliefs, opinions, and expectations into words,” and “It’s hard for me to find the words to describe what I’m thinking,” aspects of Describing.
Conclusions
Findings help to clarify which processes are core to mindfulness, contributing to a better understanding of the definition of mindfulness, and suggest factors that may be promising to target in mindfulness-based interventions. Future research should examine if mindfulness-based interventions may be improved by targeting these core mindfulness processes.