The Toronto Mindfulness Scale: Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version

Mindfulness training has become popular among the Chinese public in recent years. However, most mindfulness related research in China has focused almost exclusively on the effects of interventions on trait, but not state mindfulness. More research and valid measures on state mindfulness are needed in this area in China. Accordingly, the present study aims to validate and assess the internal consistency and construct validity of the Chinese version of the Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS) in a non-clinical sample.

The current study employed an international team of scholars to translate the TMS into Chinese language. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, construct validity analysis, and test–retest reliability were examined in study (sample 1 n = 220, sample 2 n = 59). Comparisons between correlation coefficients of the experienced (n = 65) and inexperienced subjects (n = 155) were explored.

The Chinese TMS (Ch-TMS) demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, with confirmatory factor analysis providing support for the established two-factor model. Both subscales demonstrated significant correlations in the expected directions in relation to the FFMQ-observing, FFMQ-non-reacting, SSAS-internal state awareness, and SSAS-awareness of surroundings.

Our findings suggest that the Ch-TMS has acceptable psychometric properties and is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing state mindfulness in a Chinese cultural context.