Development and validation of the Mindfulness Meditation Practice Quality Scales (MMPQS) in a clinical population using Rasch analysis

With mindfulness programs and practice research increasing, measures have been developed to assess mindfulness-related constructs. However, there has not yet been a measure to examine the quality of mindfulness meditation practices. This study aimed to develop and validate the Mindfulness Meditation Practice Quality Scales (MMPQS) in a clinical population. The MMPQS consists of two scales, Concentration ( śamatha ) and Insight ( vipassanā ). Ten items each were initially formulated. Each scale was administered to 368 clinical participants completing Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT) at 2 timepoints where scales were completed immediately after practices. Partial Credit Rasch model was applied to investigate psychometric properties of each scale as they represent two distinct dimensions. Best Rasch model fit was achieved after removing misfitting items resulting in six-item versions of Concentration and Insight scales. Both showed high reliability (PSI = 0.9–0.91), invariance across personal factors, and unidimensionality. Construct, divergent, and predictive validity of the six-item scales was supported by correlations with relevant measures in expected directions. This initial validation supported reliability and validity of the MMPQS as measures of Concentration and Insight practice quality, which can be utilized to support research and practice. Future research recommendations include testing the MMPQS in non-clinical populations and across other mindfulness-based programs.