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Development and validation of the Equanimity Barriers Scale [EBS]

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Abstract

Whilst mindfulness as a practice is now well researched, little is known about the associated concept of equanimity or the barriers people face in achieving it. Three studies were conducted to develop and validate a self-report measure assessing barriers to equanimity. Across studies, opportunity samples comprised students and staff members from one British university, and via online social media platforms. In study 1 (n = 453) principal component analysis revealed five internally consistent factors measuring the ways in which barriers to equanimity are conceptualised. Study 2, (n = 108) sought to confirm these factors. Results revealed that a four-factor model best fit the data. Validity statistics were sufficient to support this model. Study 3 (n = 302) tested convergent and discriminant validity of the four-factor Equanimity Barriers Scale (EBS). It was tested utilising the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (Brown and Ryan 2003), Big Five Inventory-10 (Rammstedt and John 2007), Self Compassion Scale Short Form (Raes et al. 2011), Difficulty in Emotional Regulation Scale Short Form (Kaufman et al. 2015) and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (Gross and John 2003). The usefulness of the EBS for future research into individual differences in adherence to mindfulness-based interventions are discussed.

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  1. Faculty of health and wellbeing, University of Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL3 5AB, UK

    Joey Weber

  2. School of Education and Psychology, University of Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL3 5AB, UK

    Michelle Lowe

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Weber, J., Lowe, M. Development and validation of the Equanimity Barriers Scale [EBS]. Curr Psychol 40, 684–698 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-018-9969-5

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