Using PROMIS Methodology to Create Self-Report Measures of Mindfulness and Related Concepts

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Mindfulness meditation and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) are widely used but lack standardized measurement.
• Existing self-report tools for mindfulness vary, hindering comparisons of skills and benefits across studies.
• There is a critical need for rigorous, reliable, and valid measures of mindfulness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a new initiative applying Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) methodologies to mindfulness measurement.
• To improve the rigor, relevance, and reproducibility of research on Mindfulness-Based Interventions.
• To lay the groundwork for developing new, precise mindfulness assessment tools.

Main Methods:

• This paper describes the PROMIS® instrument development approach.
• Subsequent papers detail a national survey, focus groups, and expert interviews for concept identification.
• Item writing, cognitive interviews, and translatability reviews are also part of the development process.

Main Results:

• This introductory paper establishes the rationale for improved mindfulness measures.
• The initiative aims to create a comprehensive item bank for mindfulness assessment.
• The series of papers will present the full development, calibration, and validation of new PROMIS® mindfulness measures.

Conclusions:

• The presented work outlines a rigorous methodology for developing new mindfulness measures.
• This initiative will enhance the quality and comparability of MBI research.
• The validated PROMIS® measures will support a deeper understanding of mindfulness and its health benefits.