title: Examination of the factor structure and concurrent validity of the Langer Mindfulness/Mindlessness Scale.
abstract: Langer's theory of mindfulness proposes that a mindful person seeks out and produces novelty, is attentive to context, and is flexible in thought and behavior. In three independent studies, the factor structure of the Langer Mindfulness/Mindlessness Scale was examined. Confirmatory factor analysis failed to replicate the four-factor model and a subsequent exploratory factor analysis revealed the presence of a two-factor (mindfulness and mindlessness) solution. Study 2 demonstrated that the two factors assessed discrete constructs and were not merely products of acquiescence. Support was also found for a nine-item, one-factor model comprised solely of mindfulness items. On comparing models, Study 3 suggested the superiority of the one-factor mindfulness model. Finally, a preliminary investigation of the concurrent validity of the revised nine-item Langer Mindfulness/Mindlessness Scale is presented. The current article offers researchers a revised version of a mindfulness measure derived from a cognitive perspective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. ehaigh@mail.med.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Emily A P
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Haigh
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Todd B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Kashdan
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Fresco
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect; D001007:Anxiety; D001288:Attention; D003863:Depression; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013850:Thinking; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult