Measuring Mindfulness: Differences in the 15-Item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Black and White Dementia Caregivers

OBJECTIVES: Valid and reliable measurement of mindfulness is essential to identify mechanisms of change and potential racial or cultural differences in mindfulness-based interventions. We examined the psychometric properties of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire 15-item version (FFMQ-15) in a sample of Black and White caregivers of persons with dementia (PWDs). METHODS: Eighty-two caregivers of PWD participated in a treatment study at a VA Medical Center. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alphas overall and separately by racial group. Average inter-item correlations were used to optimize the scale. Construct validity was examined through bivariate correlations. RESULTS: Results indicated (a) FFMQ-15 scores demonstrated fair internal consistency overall but poor reliability among Black caregivers, (b) removing two negatively correlated items improved internal consistency for Black caregivers, and (c) mindfulness was negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, and caregiver burden. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate some items on the FFMQ-15 may perform differently in Black compared to White caregivers of PWD. Results interpreted with caution; additional research is needed to determine cultural or contextual influence of possible measurement inequivalence. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The FFMQ-15 may reflect different experiences of mindfulness among Black caregivers of PWD. Culturally responsive assessment is needed; Sociocultural factors and caregiving environment should be considered.