Mindfulness: A Proposed Operational Definition
Clinical Psychology (New York, N. Y.)
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
2004/08//
Pages:
230 - 241
Sources ID:
65801
Collection:
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Depression
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
There has been substantial interest in mindfulness as anapproach to reduce cognitive vulnerability to stress and
emotional distress in recent years. However, thus far
mindfulness has not been defined operationally. This
paper describes the results of recent meetings held to
establish a consensus on mindfulness and to develop
conjointly a testable operational definition. We propose
a two-component model of mindfulness and specify each
component in terms of specific behaviors, experiential
manifestations, and implicated psychological processes.
We then address issues regarding temporal stability and
situational specificity and speculate on the conceptual
and operational distinctiveness of mindfulness. We conclude this paper by discussing implications for instrument
development and briefly describing our own approach to
measurement.