A Critical Review of Mindfulness Measures

Miller, Michael A. PhD, CRNA
Ye, Lichuan PhD, RN, FAAN
Pavone, Kara PhD, RN
Van Pelt, Maria PhD, CRNA, FAAN, FAANA

Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
Nurse Anesthetist, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
School of Nursing, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
School of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA

Correspondence regarding this article should be directed to Michael A. Miller, PhD, CRNA, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, Nurse Anesthetist, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA. E-mail: [email protected]

Journal of Nursing Measurement 33(2):p 198-209, July 01, 2025. | DOI: 10.1891/JNM-2023-0116

Background and Purpose: Mindfulness has been associated with many positive psychological benefits. It is usually measured by self-report, and there are numerous questionnaires available to measure mindfulness in this way. The purpose of this review is to offer a summary of the available self-assessment questionnaires for measuring mindfulness, their appropriate uses, and psychometrics. Methods: CINAHL, PubMed, and PsychINFO databases were queried along with hand searching reference lists based on the indicated criteria, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction-related mindfulness measurement tools, based on self-report and designed for use in adults. Results: Fourteen tools, published between 2001 and 2021, were included in this review. The tools varied in their orientation and have been created to measure mindfulness as a state, trait, and process. Conclusions: There is a wide variety of available tools, and each conceptualizes mindfulness in a distinct way. Understanding these details is crucial to choosing the proper tool.