mindfulness-based strengths practice (niemiec, … recommendation… · index of core spiritual...

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MINDFULNESS-BASED STRENGTHS PRACTICE (NIEMIEC, 2014):

RESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS MANUAL

Research recommendations compiled by

Emily Lykins, Ph.D., Eastern Kentucky University

Ryan Niemiec, Psy.D., VIA Institute on Character

Recommendations current as of April 2013

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………. 3

First-tier recommendations overview …………………………………………………. 5

First-tier categories and methods of assessment ……………………................ 6

Second-tier recommendations overview ………………………………………………. 7

Second-tier categories and methods of assessment ……………………………. 8

Assessment recommendation summaries by tier and assessment timeframe …………. 9

Demographic assessment ………………………………………………………………. 11

Demographic Questionnaire …………………………………………………… 12

Goal/character strength assessment ……………………………………………………. 15

Client Goal Assessment ……………………………………………………….. 16

Strengths Use Scale ……………………………………………………………. 17

Generals Strengths Use, Goals-Strengths Use, and Goal Progress scales …….. 18

Mindfulness assessment ……………………………………………………………….. 22

Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire ………………………………………… 23

Toronto Mindfulness Scale ……………………………………………………. 25

Symptom assessment ………………………………………………………………….. 26

Depression Anxiety Stress Scales …………………………………………….. 27

Well-being assessment ………………………………………………………………… 29

Satisfaction with Life Scale …………………………………………………… 31

Mental Health Continuum – Short Form ……………………………………… 32

Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being ………………………………….. 34

Mechanistic assessment ………………………………………………………………. 37

Self-Compassion Scale ……………………………………………………….. 39

Experiences Questionnaire ……………………………………………………. 41

Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale …………………………………….. 42

Trait Meta-Mood Scale ……………………………………………………….. 44

Index of Core Spiritual Experiences ………………………………………….. 46

Rumination subscale of the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire ………….. 50

References …………………………………………………………………………….. 51

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Introduction

This handbook contains recommendations to consider when providing Mindfulness-

Based Strengths Practice (MBSP; Niemiec, 2014) clinically and wishing to incorporate

data collection for the purposes of program evaluation and potential future research

dissemination. Certainly your unique situation and various program, clinician, and client

factors (e.g., program setting, treatment goals, time/resources available for data

collection, clinician questions of interest, client motivation for research participation)

should be considered when developing a research plan and/or making specific measure or

instrument choices.

If you are already offering the MBSP program, adding the research component can

involve a small addition of time and effort or a larger one, depending on your willingness

and ability to administer questionnaires to your clients. A two-tier approach, based on the

required time and energy devoted to the empirical assessment of MBSP, has been

developed so that clinicians can tailor their assessment strategies based on consideration

of individual factors. The first-tier recommendations require relatively less, while the

second-tier recommendations require relatively more, collection of self-report data.

The easiest and most simple way to proceed (first tier) is to choose a few relevant

questionnaires and administer them before (during a screening process or at the very

beginning of) the program and then again at the completion of the intervention. This

allows for an examination of program effectiveness.

If you are interested in carrying out a more intensive project (second tier), a mid-

treatment assessment could be incorporated (during the fourth session or as a take-home

packet between the fourth and fifth sessions) to examine the mechanisms by which the

MBSP program promotes beneficial outcomes.

Please see the specific recommended measures (with reliability and validity data) in this

handbook as initial ideas that may be well-suited to your unique questions of interest.

Obviously, a comprehensive list of all high-quality instruments that pertain to potential

effects of the MBSP program is not practical, so please do not regard a measure’s

exclusion as a dismissal of a measure’s merits. Feel free to modify the measures in

presentation to make them work most effectively for you. While the title of each measure

is included in the measure itself (in italics) for clinician identification purposes, we

recommend this text be deleted prior to client administration.

While data related to program effectiveness can usually be collected in the course of an

intervention within the scope of normal professional duties and without outside approval,

it is the responsibility of the providing clinician to determine whether Institutional

Review Board (IRB) approval is needed for any planned data collection based on the

specific circumstances at hand. Any data collected within the scope of professional duties

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and without prior IRB approval can be accessed for empirical analysis later, given a

successful IRB application to utilize archival data.

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First-tier recommendations overview

For those interested in conducting research on the effectiveness of the MBSP program, it

is recommended that the first tier research plan be implemented.

Note that completion of the VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA Survey; Peterson &

Seligman, 2004) is an integral part of the MBSP program. Data from the VIA Survey,

which is self-administered by clients online, can be accessed for research purposes using

a “research code.” For information about attaining a research code, go to this site here.

It is recommended that clinicians utilizing the first-tier research plan administer the 1.

demographic assessment, 2. dispositional mindfulness assessment, and 3. goal and

character strengths assessment category questionnaires, along with 4. at least one

measure from the symptom or well-being assessment categories. Even if using all of the

measures recommended for the first tier, only 20 minutes (approximately) will be

required for data collection at each time point (pre- and post-treatment). Of course,

certain situations may require further narrowing of the utilized measures, while other

clinicians may be interested in collecting additional data above the recommended first tier

minimum so that additional questions can be examined empirically.

***Note that the utilized measures should generally be administered at both pre- and

post-treatment. Exclusions include the demographic questionnaire and client goal

assessment (pre-treatment only) and the general strengths use, goals-strengths use, and

goal progress scales (post-treatment only).***

http://www.viacharacter.org/www/en-us/research/collaboration.aspx

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First tier categories and methods of assessment

a. Demographic assessment: a1. Demographic Questionnaire

Allows for an accurate report of client characteristics, as well as examination of whether

certain client variables impact response to MBSP.

b. Goal/character strengths assessment:

Pre-treatment: b1. Client Goal Assessment; b2.Strengths Use Scale

Post-treatment: b2. Strengths Use Scale; b3. General Strengths Use; b4. Goals-Strengths

Use; b5. Goal Progress Scales

Allows for an examination of how MBSP affects goal pursuit and use of strengths and

whether the effective utilization of strengths and/or pursuit of goals relates to program

effectiveness.

c. Mindfulness assessment:

Dispositional: c1. Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire

Allows for an examination of how mindfulness is impacted by the intervention and

whether changes in mindfulness are associated with response to MBSP.

d. Symptom assessment: d1. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales

Allows for an examination of how effectively the intervention reduces client’s

psychological symptoms and how baseline levels of symptoms impact response to MBSP.

e. Well-being assessment: e1. Satisfaction with Life Scale; e2. Mental Health

Continuum – Short Form; e3. Scales of Psychological Well-Being

Allows for an examination of how effectively the intervention improves psychological

health and how baseline levels of well-being impact response to MBSP.

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Second-tier recommendations overview

For those interested in conducting research on both the effectiveness of the MBSP

program, as well as the mechanisms by which it exerts beneficial outcomes, it is

recommended that the second tier research plan be implemented.

Note that completion of the VIA Inventory of Strengths (Peterson & Seligman, 2004) is

an integral part of the MBSP program. Data from this Inventory, which is self-

administered by clients online, can be accessed for research purposes if your consultant

code is entered. Please contact Kelly Aluise at [email protected] to obtain a

consultant code.

It is recommended that clinicians utilizing the second-tier research plan administer the 1.

demographic assessment, 2. dispositional and state mindfulness assessment, and 3. goal

and character strengths assessment category questionnaires, along with 4. at least one

measure from the symptom or well-being assessment categories and 5. at least one

measure from the mechanistic assessment category during a pre-, mid-, and post-

treatment assessment. Even if using all of the measures recommended for the second tier,

only 35 minutes (approximately) will be required for data collection at each time point.

Of course, certain situations may require further narrowing of the utilized measures,

while other clinicians may be interested in collecting additional data above the

recommended second tier minimum so that additional questions can be examined

empirically.

***Note that the utilized measures should generally be administered at three timepoints:

pre-, mid-, and post-treatment. Exclusions include the demographic questionnaire and

client goal assessment (pre-treatment only) and the general strengths use, goals-

strengths use, and goal progress scales (mid- and post-treatment only).***

mailto:[email protected]

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Second tier categories and methods of assessment

a. Demographic assessment: a1. Demographic Questionnaire

Collection of demographic information allows for an accurate report of client

characteristics, as well as examination of whether certain client variables impact

response to MBSP.

b. Goal/character strengths assessment:

Pre-treatment: b1. Client Goal Assessment; b2. Strengths Use Scale

Post-treatment: b2. Strengths Use Scale; b3. General Strengths Use; b4. Goals-Strengths


Collection of such data allows for an examination of how MBSP affected goal pursuit

and use of strengths and whether the effective utilization of strengths and/or pursuit of

goals relates to program effectiveness.

c. Mindfulness assessment:

Dispositional: c1. Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire

State: c2. Toronto Mindfulness Scale (Note: The Toronto Mindfulness Scale is a measure

of state mindfulness, which is to be administered separately and completed immediately

after the first, fourth, and final sessions’ mindfulness practice.)

Allows for an examination of how mindfulness is impacted by the intervention and

whether changes in mindfulness are associated with response to MBSP.

d. Symptom assessment: d1. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales

Allows for an examination of how effectively the intervention reduces client’s

psychological symptoms and how baseline levels of symptoms impact response to MBSP.

e. Well-being assessment: e1. Satisfaction with Life Scale; e2. Mental Health

Continuum – Short Form; e3. Scales of Psychological Well-Being

Allows for an examination of how effectively the intervention improved client’s happiness

and/or well-being.

f. Mechanistic assessment: f1. Self-Compassion Scale; f2. Experiences

Questionnaire; f3. Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale; f4. Trait Meta-Mood Scale;

f5. Index of Core Spiritual Experiences; f6. Rumination subscale of the Rumination-

Refection Questionnaire

Allows for an examination of the mechanisms or means by which MBSP may be

promoting beneficial outcomes.

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Assessment recommendation summaries by tier and assessment timeframe

a. DEMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT:

Tier One:

Pre-test: a1. Demographic Questionnaire

Tier Two:

Pre-test: a1. Demographic Questionnaire

b. GOAL/CHARACTER STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT:

Tier One:

Pre-test: b1. Client Goal Assessment; b2. Strengths Use Scale

Post-test: b2. Strengths Use Scale; b3. General Strengths Use; b4. Goals-Strengths


Tier Two:

Pre-test: b1. Client Goal Assessment; b2. Strengths Use Scale

Mid-test: b2. Strengths Use Scale; b3. General Strengths Use; b4. Goals-Strengths


Post-test: b2. Strengths Use Scale; b3. General Strengths Use; b4. Goals-Strengths


c. MINDFULNESS ASSESSMENT:

Tier One:

Pre-test: Dispositional: c1. Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire

Post-test: Dispositional: c1. Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire

Tier Two:

Pre-test: Dispositional: c1. Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire

State: c2. Toronto Mindfulness Scale

Mid-test: Dispositional: c1. Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire


Post-test: Dispositional: c1. Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire


d. CHOOSE AND ADMINISTER AT LEAST ONE SYMPTOM AND/OR WELL-BEING

ASSESSMENT MEASURE:

(Note: The utilized measure(s) should be the same at each assessment.)

Tier One:

Pre-test: d1. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales; e1. Satisfaction with Life Scale; e2.

Mental Health Continuum – Short Form; OR e3. Scales of Psychological Well-

Being

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Post-test: d1. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales; e1. Satisfaction with Life Scale; e2.


Being

Tier Two:

Pre-test: d1. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales; e1. Satisfaction with Life Scale; e2.


Being

Mid-test: d1. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales; e1. Satisfaction with Life Scale; e2.


Being

Post-test: d1. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales; e1. Satisfaction with Life Scale; e2.


Being

f. CHOOSE AND ADMINISTER AT LEAST ONE MECHANISTIC ASSESSMENT

MEASURE (TIER TWO ONLY):

(Note: The utilized measure(s) should be the same at each assessment.)

Tier Two:

Pre-test: f1. Self-Compassion Scale; f2. Experiences Questionnaire; f3. Difficulties in

Emotion Regulation Scale; f4. Trait Meta-Mood Scale; f5. Index of Core Spiritual

Experiences; OR f6. Rumination subscale of the Rumination-Refection

Questionnaire

Mid-test: f1. Self-Compassion Scale; f2. Experiences Questionnaire; f3. Difficulties in

Emotion Regulation Scale; f4. Trait Meta-Mood Scale; f5. Index of Core Spiritual

Experiences; OR f6. Rumination subscale of the Rumination-Refection

Questionnaire

Post-test: f1. Self-Compassion Scale; f2. Experiences Questionnaire; f3. Difficulties

in Emotion Regulation Scale; f4. Trait Meta-Mood Scale; f5. Index of Core

Spiritual Experiences; OR f6. Rumination subscale of the Rumination-Refection

Questionnaire

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A. DEMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT

The provided demographic questionnaire was developed for research purposes by Dr.

Lykins. It has not been subjected to empirical scrutiny of psychometric properties. This

questionnaire begins on the following page and is recommended for administration at

pre-treatment only for those utilizing both the first and second tier approach.

Collection of demographic information allows for an accurate report of client

characteristics, as well as examination of whether certain client variables impact

response to MBSP.

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(a1. Demographic assessment: Pre-treatment - Demographic Questionnaire)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Please answer the following questions about yourself as honestly and accurately as

possible. Please write your answer in the blanks provided or circle the answer that

most applies to you.

1. I am currently __________ years of age.

2. I identify myself as:

Male Female

3. I identify myself as:

Caucasian

African American/Black

Asian/ Asian American

Hispanic/Hispanic American

Other

4. My highest level of completed education is:

Below high school

High school diploma/GED

Some college

Bachelor’s degree

Some graduate work

Graduate degree

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5. I am currently:

Single (never married)

Married/cohabitating

Divorced

Separated

6. I have __________ children.

7. My employment status is:

Employed full-time

Employed part-time

Full-time student

Stay-at-home parent

Disabled

Unemployed

8. I am __________ inches tall.

9. I currently weigh __________ pounds.

10. Do you currently practice meditation of any kind on a regular basis? Yes No

If applicable,

What type of meditation do you practice? ________________________________

For how many MONTHS have you been practicing? _______________________

How many TIMES PER WEEK do you typically practice? __________________

What is the LENGTH IN MINUTES of your typical meditation session? _______

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11. Do you currently practice yoga on a regular basis?

Yes No

If applicable,

For how many MONTHS have you been practicing? _______________________

How many TIMES PER WEEK do you typically practice? __________________

What is the LENGTH IN MINUTES of your typical yoga practice? ___________

12. Are you currently diagnosed with a psychological disorder?

Yes No

If applicable, what is/are your current psychological diagnosis/es?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

13. If not currently diagnosed, have you ever been diagnosed with a previous

psychological disorder?

Yes No

If applicable, what was your psychological diagnosis/es?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

14. Are you currently diagnosed with any medical disorders?

Yes No

If applicable, what is/are your current medical diagnosis/es?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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B. GOAL/CHARACTER STRENGTH ASSESSMENT

The following measures are recommended as means to assess the impact of MBSP on

character strengths and personal goals. Note that the VIA Inventory of Strengths

(Peterson & Seligman, 2004) is the primary assessment of character strengths and is an

integral part of the MBSP program, thus meaning we do not include it directly in

research-related recommendations.

The Client Goal Assessment, General Strengths Use, Goals-Strengths Use, and Goal

Progress scales were developed by Linley, Nielsen, Gillett, and Biswas-Diener (2010) in

the course of their examination of the impact of use of character strengths on goal

progress and psychological well-being. While these measures have not been subjected to

psychometric scrutiny, they were effectively utilized to demonstrate that use of character

strengths is associated with goal-related progress and, in turn, the satisfaction of

psychological needs and personal well-being. The Client Goal Assessment is presented

on page 16, and a combined presentation of the General Strengths Use, Goals-Strengths

Use, and Goal Progress scales begins on page 18.

The Strengths Use Scale is a 14-item self-report measure that was developed by

Govindgji and Linley (2007) to measure general use of character strengths. This measure

was subjected to empirical scrutiny by Wood, Linley, Matlby, Kashdan, and Hurling

(2011) in their examination of the impact of character strength use on well-being. In their

community sample (N = 207), it was found that the scale had a clear one-factor structure,

high internal consistency, and high stability over time (test-retest reliability). The scale

was used to demonstrate that strengths use led to lower levels of stress and greater self-

esteem, vitality, and positive affect over time. The Strengths Use Scale is presented on

page 17.

Collection of data regarding use of character strengths and personal goals allows for an

examination of how MBSP affects goal pursuit and use of strengths and whether the

effective utilization of strengths and/or pursuit of goals relates to program effectiveness.

***Note that, for individuals utilizing both first and second tier research plans, the Client

Goal Assessment is recommended for administration at pre-treatment only, while the

Strengths Use Scale is recommended for administration at all assessment points, and the

General Strengths Use, Goals-Strengths Use, and Goal Progress scales are recommended

for administration at post-treatment only for first tier and at mid- and post-treatment for

second tier research plans.***

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(b1. Goal/character strength assessment: Pre-treatment – Client Goal Assessment)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Now, please carefully consider your top three goals for the coming two months (the

timeframe of this workshop/intervention). Goals are projects that we think about,

plan for, carry out, and sometimes (though not always) complete or succeed at.

Examples of possible goals include “drinking less alcohol,” “getting more exercise,”

“getting along better with my family,” or “being more productive at work.” Please

think carefully about your own personal goals, or main aspirations, for the coming

months and write them below.

MY TOP THREE GOALS

1.

2.

3.

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(b2. Goal/character strength assessment: Pre- and post-treatment (first tier) or pre-,

mid, and post-treatment (second tier)– Strengths Use Scale)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

The following questions ask you about your strengths, that is, the things that you

are able to do well or do best. Please rate each of the below items using the following

scale:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Strongly

disagree

Neither

agree nor

disagree

Strongly

agree

1. I am regularly able to do what I do best. ________

2. I always play to my strengths. ________

3. I always try to use my strengths. ________

4. I achieve what I want by using my strengths. ________

5. I use my strengths every day. ________

6. I use my strengths to get what I want out of life. ________

7. My work gives me lots of opportunities to use my strengths. ________

8. My life presents me with lots of different ways to use my strengths. ________

9. Using my strengths comes naturally to me. ________

10. I find it easy to use my strengths in the things I do. ________

11. I am able to use my strengths in lots of different situations. ________

12. Most of my time is spent doing the things that I am good at doing. ________

13. Using my strengths is something I am familiar with. ________

14. I am able to use my strengths in lots of different ways. ________

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(b3./b4./b5. Goal/character strength assessment: Post-treatment (first tier) or mid- and

post-treatment (second tier) –

General Strengths Use, Goals-Strengths Use, and Goal Progress scales)

(Note that the following measures require the clinician to enter participants’ responses

from baseline prior to administration.)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Please answer the following question for each of your top five signature strengths.

How much have you used each of your signature strengths in your life in your

general over the course of this workshop/intervention?

Signature strength 1: _____________________________________________________

0 1 2 3 4

Not at all Very much


0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4


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Please answer the following questions about the goals you identified at the beginning

of this workshop/intervention, as well as your use of signature strengths in your

pursuit of these goals.

Goal 1: _________________________________________________________________

How well are you doing in achieving this goal?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Not at all

well

Very well

How much have you used each of your signature strengths in working towards the

first goal you identified for this workshop/intervention?


0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4


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Goal 2: _________________________________________________________________


1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Not at all

well

Very well




0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4


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Goal 3: _________________________________________________________________


1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Not at all

well

Very well




0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4



0 1 2 3 4


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C. MINDFULNESS ASSESSMENT

The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ; Baer, Smith, Hopkins, Krietemeyer,

& Toney, 2006) is a 39-item, self-report measure recommended to assess the impact of

MBSP on dispositional mindfulness, or the trait-like tendency to observe and describe

one’s present-moment experiences, act with awareness, and approach one’s experiences

in a nonjudgmental and nonreactive manner. This questionnaire has been found to have

acceptable internal consistency, while FFMQ scores have been found to correlate in

expected directions with various other variables and to change following participation in

mindfulness-based interventions (e.g., Baer, Carmody, & Hunsinger, 2012; Baer et al.,

2006, Baer et al., 2008). The FFMQ begins on the following page and is recommended

for administration at all relevant assessment timepoints for those utilizing both the first

and second tier research plans.

The Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS; Bishop et al., 2005) is a 13-item, self-report

measure recommended to assess the impact of MBSP on state mindfulness, or the ability

to enter a mindful condition in a given moment, usually in the course of a meditation

session. While psychometric investigations into the TMS and other measures of state

mindfulness have been limited, data suggest good internal consistency and convergent

validity for the measure (Bishop et al., 2005; Brown & Ryan, 2003). The TMS begins on

page 25 and is recommended for administration at pre-, mid-, and post-treatment for

those utilizing the second tier research plan only. Note that the TMS is to be administered

separately from the rest of the pre-, mid- or post-testing, as it is completed immediately

after the first, fourth, and final sessions’ mindfulness practice.

Collection of data regarding mindfulness allows for an examination of how mindfulness

is impacted by the intervention and whether changes in mindfulness are associated with

response to MBSP.

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(c1. Mindfulness assessment: Pre- and post-treatment (first tier) or pre-, mid- and post-

treatment (second tier) – Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Please rate each of the following statements using the scale provided. Write the

number in the blank that best describes your own opinion of what is generally true

for you.

1 2 3 4 5

Never or very

rarely true

Rarely true Sometimes

true

Often true Very often or

always true

_____ 1. When I’m walking, I deliberately notice the sensations of my body moving.

_____ 2. I’m good at finding words to describe my feelings

_____ 3. I criticize myself for having irrational or inappropriate emotions.

_____ 4. I perceive my feelings and emotions without having to react to them.

_____ 5. When I do things, my mind wanders off and I’m easily distracted.

_____ 6. When I take a shower or bath, I stay alert to the sensations of water on my body.

_____ 7. I can easily put my beliefs, opinions, and expectations into words.

_____ 8. I don’t pay attention to what I’m doing because I’m daydreaming, worrying, or

otherwise distracted.

_____ 9. I watch my feelings without getting lost in them.

_____ 10. I tell myself I shouldn’t be feeling the way I’m feeling.

_____ 11. I notice how foods and drinks affect my thoughts, bodily sensations, and

emotions.

_____ 12. It’s hard for me to find the words to describe what I’m thinking.

_____ 13. I am easily distracted.

_____ 14. I believe some of my thoughts are abnormal or bad and I shouldn’t think that

way.

_____ 15. I pay attention to sensations, such as the wind in my hair or sun on my face.

_____ 16. I have trouble thinking of the right words to express how I feel about things.

_____ 17. I make judgments about whether my thoughts are good or bad.

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1 2 3 4 5

Never or very

rarely true

Rarely true Sometimes

true

Often true Very often or

always true

_____ 18. I find it difficult to stay focused on what’s happening in the present.

_____ 19. When I have distressing thoughts or images, I “step back” and am aware of the

thought or image without getting taken over by it.

_____ 20. I pay attention to sounds, such as clocks ticking, birds chirping, or cars

passing.

_____ 21. In difficult situations, I can pause without immediately reacting.

_____ 22. When I have a sensation in my body, it’s difficult for me to describe it because

I can’t find the right words.

_____ 23. It seems I am “running on automatic” without much awareness of what I’m

doing.

_____ 24. When I have distressing thoughts or images, I feel calm soon after.

_____ 25. I tell myself that I shouldn’t be thinking the way I am thinking.

_____ 26. I notice the smells and aromas of things.

_____ 27. Even when I’m feeling terribly upset, I can find a way to put it into words.

_____ 28. I rush through activities without being really attentive to them.

_____ 29. When I have distressing thoughts or images, I am able to just notice them

without reacting.

_____ 30. I think some of my emotions are bad or inappropriate, and I shouldn’t feel

them.

_____ 31. My natural tendency is to put my experiences into words.

_____ 32. When I have distressing thoughts or images, I just notice them and let them go.

_____ 33. I do jobs or tasks automatically without being aware of what I’m doing.

_____ 34. When I have distressing thoughts or images, I judge myself as good or bad,

depending on what the thought/image is about.

_____ 35. I pay attention to how my emotions affect my thoughts and behavior.

_____ 36. I can usually describe how I feel at the moment in considerable detail.

_____ 37. I find myself doing things without paying attention.

_____ 38. I disapprove of myself when I have irrational ideas.

_____ 39. I notice visual elements in art or nature, such as colors, shapes, textures, and

patterns of light and shadow.

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(c2. Mindfulness assessment: Pre-, mid- and post-treatment (second tier only) –

Toronto Mindfulness Scale)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

We are interested in what you just experienced. Below is a list of things that people

sometimes experience. Please read each statement and indicate the extent to which

you agree with each by choosing the response option that best fits for you. In other

words, how well does the statement describe what you just experienced, just now?

0 1 2 3 4

Not at all A little Moderately Quite a bit Very much

_____ 1. I experienced myself as separate from my changing thoughts and feelings.

_____ 2. I was more concerned with being open to my experiences than controlling or

changing them.

_____ 3. I was curious about what I might learn about myself by taking notice of how I

react to certain thoughts, feelings, or sensations.

_____ 4. I experienced my thoughts more as events in my mind than as a necessarily

accurate reflection of the way things “really” are.

_____ 5. I was curious to see what my mind was up to from moment to moment.

_____ 6. I was curious about each of the thoughts and feelings I was having.

_____ 7. I was receptive to observing unpleasant thoughts and feelings without

interfering with them.

_____ 8. I was more invested in just watching my experiences as they arose, than in

figuring out what they could mean.

_____ 9. I approached each experience by trying to accept it, no matter whether it was

pleasant or unpleasant.

_____10. I remained curious about the nature of each experience as it arose.

_____11. I was aware of my thoughts and feelings without overidentifying with them.

_____12. I was curious about my reactions to things.

_____ 13. I was curious about what I might learn about myself by just taking notice of

why my attention gets drawn to.

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D. SYMPTOM ASSESSMENT

The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) is a 42-item,

self-report measure recommended to assess the impact of MBSP on psychological

symptoms. In a very large community sample (N = 1771), the three-factor structure of the

DASS (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) was supported (Crawford & Henry, 2003).

The same examination suggested that the measure has excellent reliability and is

relatively unaffected by demographic variables. Multiple studies have suggested the

DASS has adequate to good convergent validity, as supported by significant correlations

with other measures of depression and anxiety (e.g., the Beck Depression Inventory, r =

.74; Beck Anxiety Inventory, r = .81; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, r values

ranging from .49 to .71 by subscale; Personal Disturbance Scale, r values ranging from

.56 to .78 by subscale; Crawford & Henry, 2003; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). The

DASS begins on the following page. For those using either tier of the research plan, it is

recommended that at least one measure from the symptom or well-being assessment be

chosen for administration at all relevant assessment timepoints.

Collection of data regarding psychological symptoms allows for an examination of how

effectively the intervention reduces client’s psychological symptoms and how baseline

levels of symptoms impact response to MBSP.

27

(d1. Symptom assessment: Pre- and post-treatment (first tier) or pre-, mid- and post-

treatment (second tier) – Depression Anxiety Stress Scales)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Please read each statement and circle a number (0, 1, 2 or 3) that indicates how

much the statement applied to you over the past week. There are no right or wrong

answers. Do not spend too much time on any one statement.

The rating scale is as follows:

0 Did not apply to me at all

1 Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time

2 Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of time

3 Applied to me very much, or most of the time

_____ 1. I found myself getting upset by quite trivial things.

_____ 2. I was aware of the dryness of my mouth.

_____ 3. I couldn’t seem to experience any positive feeling at all.

_____ 4. I experienced breathing difficulty (e.g., excessively rapid breathing,

breathlessness in the absence of physical exertion).

_____ 5. I just couldn’t seem to get going.

_____ 6. I tended to over-react to situations.

_____7. I had a feeling of shakiness (eg, legs going to give way)

_____8. I found it difficult to relax

_____9. I found myself in situations that made me so anxious I was most relieved when

they ended

_____10. I felt that I had nothing to look forward to

_____11. I found myself getting upset rather easily

_____12. I felt that I was using a lot of nervous energy

_____13. I felt sad and depressed

_____14. I found myself getting impatient when I was delayed in any way (eg, elevators,

traffic lights, being kept waiting)

_____15. I had a feeling of faintness

_____16. I felt that I had lost interest in just about everything

_____17. I felt I wasn’t worth much as a person

_____18. I felt that I was rather touchy

_____19. I perspired noticeably (eg, hands sweaty) in the absence of high temperatures or

physical exertion

28

0 Did not apply to me at all

1 Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time

2 Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of time

3 Applied to me very much, or most of the time

_____20. I felt scared without any good reason

_____21. I felt that life wasn’t worthwhile

_____22. I found it hard to wind down

_____23. I had difficulty in swallowing

_____24. I couldn’t seem to get any enjoyment out of the things I did

_____25. I was aware of the action of my heart in the absence of physical exertion (eg,

sense of heart rate increase, heart missing a beat)

_____26. I felt down-hearted and blue

_____27. I found that I was very irritable

_____28. I felt I was close to panic

_____29. I found it hard to calm down after something upset me

_____30. I feared that I would be “thrown” by some trivial but unfamiliar task

_____31. I was unable to become enthusiastic about anything.

_____32. I found it difficult to tolerate interruptions to what I was doing.

_____33. I was in a state of nervous tension.

_____34. I felt I was pretty worthless.

_____35. I was intolerant of anything that kept me from getting on with what I was doing

_____36. I felt terrified

_____37. I could see nothing in the future to be hopeful about

_____38. I felt that life was meaningless

_____39. I found myself getting agitated

_____40. I was worried about situations in which I might panic and make a fool of

myself

_____41. I experienced trembling (eg, in the hands)

_____42. I found it difficult to work up the initiative to do things

29

E. WELL-BEING ASSESSMENT

The following measures are recommended as means to assess the impact of MBSP on

well-being.

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS; Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985) is a

5-item, self-report measure that was developed to measure life satisfaction, which is

considered to be the evaluative dimension of subjective well-being (SWB) or having a

“happy” life. This most widely used measure of life satisfaction has a single factor

structure, excellent internal consistency, and high stability over time, while still being

responsive to the effect of psychological interventions (Pavot & Diener, 1993).

The Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (Keyes, 2006) is a 14-item, self-report

measure that was developed to measure psychological flourishing, which is

conceptualized as the combination of emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

The short form was developed by choosing the 14 items from the original (long form)

version that were judged as the most prototypical items representing the construct

definition for each facet of well-being. The short form of the MHC has been shown to

have excellent internal consistency and adequate test-retest reliability, and data have

supported its purported three factor structure and relative invariance due to demographic

variables (e.g., Gallagher, Lopez, & Preacher, 2009; Keyes, 2009; Lamers, Westerhof,

Bolhmeijer, ten Klooster, & Keyes, 2010; Lamers, Glas, Westerhof, & Bohlmeijer,

2012). The parent measure for the MHC-SF has been validated and used in hundreds of

studies over the past two decades (Keyes, 2009).

Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB; Ryff, 1989) is a 54-item, self-report

measure that was developed to assess multiple components of psychological well-being

(PWB), or having a “meaningful” life. Ryff’s scales operationally define PWB as

environmental mastery, autonomy, positive relations with others, personal growth, self-

acceptance, and purpose in life. The Ryff scales originally included 20 items per

subscale, though recommendations have been made in the appropriate use of as few as

three items per scale. Multiple examinations of the psychometric properties of the 14 item

scales suggest adequate to good internal consistency (ranging from .86 to .93 in one study

and from .73 to .84 in another) and good temporal stability (ranging from .81 to .93

across studies; Cenkseven, 2004; Ryff, 1989). Other data support the six-factor structure

and the convergent validity of the SPWB (e.g., Ryff, 1989; Ryff & Singer, 2006; van

Dierendonck, Diaz, Rodriquez-Carvajal, Blanco, & Moreno-Jimenez, 2008; Winefield,

McGill, Taylor, & Pilkington, 2012). Note that the 9-item version of the SPWB is

recommended for use in MBSP-related research.

The Satisfaction with Life Scale is presented on page 31, the Mental Health Continuum –

Short Form on page 32, and Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being on page 34. It is

recommended that at least one measure from the symptom or well-being assessment be

30

chosen for administration at all relevant assessment timepoints for those utilizing either

tier of the research plan.

Collection of data regarding various aspects of well-being allows for an examination of

how effectively the intervention improves psychological health and how baseline levels of

well-being impact response to MBSP.

31

(e1. Well-being assessment: Pre- and post-treatment (first tier) or pre-, mid-, and post-

treatment (second tier) – Satisfaction with Life Scale)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Below are several statements with which you may agree or disagree. Using the 1 - 7

scale below, please indicate your agreement by choosing the appropriate number for

each item. Please be open and honest in your responding.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Strongly

disagree

Disagree Slightly

disagree

Neither

agree

nor

disagree

Slightly

agree

Agree Strongly

agree

_____ 1. In most ways my life is close to my ideal.

_____ 2. The conditions of my life are excellent.

_____ 3. I am satisfied with my life.

_____ 4. So far I have gotten the important things I want in life.

_____ 5. If I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing.

32


treatment (second tier) – Mental Health Continuum – Short Form)

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Please answer the following questions are about how you have been feeling during

the past month. Place a check mark in the box that best represents how often you

have experienced or felt the following:

During the past

month, how often

did you feel …

NEVER

ONCE

OR

TWICE

ABOUT

ONCE

A

WEEK

ABOUT

2 OR 3

TIMES

A

WEEK

ALMOST

EVERY

DAY

EVERY

DAY

1. happy

2. interested in life

3. satisfied with life

4. that you had

something important

to contribute to

society

5. that you belonged

to a community (like a

social group, or your

neighborhood)

6. that our society is a

good place, or is

becoming a better

place, for all people

7. that people are

basically good

33

During the past

month, how often

did you feel …

NEVER

ONCE

OR

TWICE

ABOUT

ONCE

A

WEEK

ABOUT

2 OR 3

TIMES

A

WEEK

ALMOST

EVERY

DAY

EVERY

DAY

8. that the way our

society works makes

sense to you

9. that you liked most

parts of your

personality

10. good at managing

the responsibilities of

your daily life

11. that you had warm

and trusting

relationships with

others

12. that you had

experiences that

challenged you to

grow and become a

better person

13. confident to think

or express your own

ideas and opinions

14. that your life has a

sense of direction or

meaning to it

34


treatment (second tier) – Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Please read each statement and indicate how much you agree or disagree, by writing

the number that represents your response into the blank to the left of the item.

There are no right or wrong answers.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Strongly

disagree

Moderately

disagree

Slightly

disagree

Slightly

agree

Moderately

agree

Strongly

agree

_____1. I am not afraid to voice my opinions, even when they are in opposition to the

opinions of most people.

_____2. My decisions are not usually influenced by what everyone else is doing.

_____3. I tend to worry about what other people think of me.

_____4. Being happy with myself is more important to me than having others approve of

me.

_____5. I tend to be influenced by people with strong opinions.

_____6. I have confidence in my opinions, even if they are contrary to the general

consensus.

_____7. It's difficult for me to voice my own opinions on controversial matters.

_____8. I often change my mind about decisions if my friends or family disagree.

_____9. I judge myself by what I think is important, not by the values of what others

think is important.

_____10. In general, I feel I am in charge of the situation in which I live.

_____11. The demands of everyday life often get me down.

_____12. I do not fit very well with the people and the community around me.

_____13. I am quite good at managing the many responsibilities of my daily life.

_____14. I often feel overwhelmed by my responsibilities.

_____15. I generally do a good job of taking care of my personal finances and affairs.

35

1 2 3 4 5 6

Strongly

disagree

Moderately

disagree

Slightly

disagree

Slightly

agree

Moderately

agree

Strongly

agree

_____16. I am good at juggling my time so that I can fit everything in that needs to get

done.

_____17. I have difficulty arranging my life in a way that is satisfying to me.

_____18. I have been able to build a home and a lifestyle for myself that is much to my

liking.

_____19. I am not interested in activities that will expand my horizons.

_____20. I don't want to try new ways of doing things--my life is fine the way it is.

_____21. I think it is important to have new experiences that challenge how you think

about yourself and the world.

_____22. When I think about it, I haven't really improved much as a person over the

years.

_____23. I have the sense that I have developed a lot as a person over time.

_____24. I do not enjoy being in new situations that require me to change my old familiar

ways of doing things.

_____25. For me, life has been a continuous process of learning, changing, and growth.

_____26. I gave up trying to make big improvements or changes in my life a long time

ago.

_____27. There is truth to the saying you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

_____28. Most people see me as loving and affectionate.

_____29. Maintaining close relationships has been difficult and frustrating for me

_____30. I often feel lonely because I have few close friends with whom to share my

concerns.

_____31. I enjoy personal and mutual conversations with family members or friends.

_____32. I don't have many people who want to listen when I need to talk.

_____33. It seems to me that most other people have more friends than I do.

_____34. People would describe me as a giving person, willing to share my time with

others.

36

1 2 3 4 5 6

Strongly

disagree

Moderately

disagree

Slightly

disagree

Slightly

agree

Moderately

agree

Strongly

agree

_____35. I have not experienced many warm and trusting relationships with others.

_____36. I know that I can trust my friends, and they know they can trust me.

_____37. I live life one day at a time and don't really think about the future.

_____38. I tend to focus on the present, because the future nearly always brings me

problems.

_____39. My daily activities often seem trivial and unimportant to me.

_____40. I don't have a good sense of what it is I'm trying to accomplish in life.

_____41. I used to set goals for myself, but that now seems like a waste of time.

_____42. I enjoy making plans for the future and working to make them a reality.

_____43. I am an active person in carrying out the plans I set for myself.

_____44. Some people wander aimlessly through life, but I am not one of them.

_____45. I sometimes feel as if I've done all there is to do in life.

_____46. When I look at the story of my life, I am pleased with how things have turned

out.

_____47. In general, I feel confident and positive about myself.

_____48. I feel like many of the people I know have gotten more out of life than I have.

_____49. I like most aspects of my personality.

_____50. I made some mistakes in the past, but I feel that all in all everything has worked

out for the best.

_____51. In many ways, I feel disappointed about my achievements in life.

_____52. My attitude about myself is probably not as positive as most people feel about

themselves.

_____53. The past had its ups and downs, but in general, I wouldn't want to change it.

_____54. When I compare myself to friends and acquaintances, it makes me feel good

about who I am.

37

F. MECHANISTIC ASSESSMENT

The following measures are recommended as means to assess the mechanisms, or

methods, by which MBSP may promote psychological health.

The Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003) is a 26-item, self-report measure that was

developed to measure one’s tendency to approach oneself with compassion, via adoption

of mindfulness, self-kindness, and awareness of common humanity and avoidance of

isolation, overidentification, and self-judging. The SCS has been shown to possess

adequate to good internal consistency and has demonstrated convergent and discriminant

validity.

The Experiences Questionnaire (EQ; Fresco et al., 2007) is a 20-item, self-report measure

that was developed to measure reperceiving, or a fundamental shift in perspective that

allows one to witness moment-to-moment experiences as temporary events in the mind,

as opposed to reflections of the self that are necessarily true. The EQ has been

demonstrated by its authors to possess good internal consistency and convergent validity.

The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz & Roemer, 2004) is a 36-

item, self-report measure that was developed to measure several elements of emotion

regulation, including awareness, understanding, and acceptance of emotions, access to

emotion regulation strategies, and ability to act in desired ways regardless of emotional

state and access to emotion regulation strategies. The measure has been demonstrated by

its authors to possess good internal consistency and test-retest reliability and a clear

factor structure. It has also been shown to possess convergent validity via significant

correlations in expected directions with other related constructs.

The Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS; Salovey et al., 1995) is a 48-item, self-report

measure designed to assess beliefs about attending to moods (Attention), clarity of

personal mood experiences (Clarity), and efforts to repair mood states (Repair). The

TMMS has been shown by its authors to have adequate internal consistency and good

convergent and discriminant validity.

The Index of Core Spiritual Experiences (INSPIRIT-R; Kass et al.,1991) is a seven-item,

self-report unidimensional questionnaire that was designed to assess relational and

experiential aspects of spirituality. It has been demonstrated to have adequate internal

consistency (VandeCreek, Ayres, & Bassham, 1995) and has been used in many studies

examining spirituality.

The 12-item Rumination subscale of the self-report Rumination-Refection Questionnaire

(RRQ; Trapnell & Campbell, 1999), which was designed to measure two distinct aspects

of self-consciousness, assesses negative recurrent thoughts about the self without

38

reference to depressed mood. The authors of the RRQ found that it has good internal

consistency. It has been used in a number of studies (e.g., Joireman & Hammersla, 2002).

The Self-Compassion Scale is presented on page 39, the Experiences Questionnaire on

page 41, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation on page 42, the Trait Meta-Mood Scale

on page 44, the Index of Core Spiritual Experiences on page 46, and the Rumination

subscale of the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire on page x. It is recommended that

at least one measure from the mechanistic assessment be chosen for administration at all

relevant assessment timepoints for those utilizing the second tier research plan.

Collection of data investigating potential mediators allows for an examination of the

mechanisms or means by which MBSP may be promoting beneficial outcomes.

39

(f1. Mechanistic assessment: Pre-, mid-, and post-treatment (second tier) –

Self-Compassion Scale)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Please read each statement carefully before answering. To the left of each item,

indicate how often you behave in the stated manner, using the scale below.

1 2 3 4 5

Almost never Almost always

_____ 1. I’m disapproving and judgmental about my own flaws and inadequacies.

_____ 2. When I’m feeling down I tend to obsess and fixate on everything that’s wrong.

_____ 3. When things are going badly for me, I see the difficulties as part of life that

everyone goes through.

_____ 4. When I think about my inadequacies, it tends to make me feel more separate

and cut off from the rest of the world.

_____ 5. I try to be loving towards myself when I’m feeling emotional pain.

_____ 6. When I fail at something important to me I become consumed by feelings of

inadequacy.

_____ 7. When I'm down and out, I remind myself that there are lots of other people in

the world feeling like I am.

_____ 8. When times are really difficult, I tend to be tough on myself.

_____ 9. When something upsets me I try to keep my emotions in balance.

_____ 10. When I feel inadequate in some way, I try to remind myself that feelings of

inadequacy are shared by most people.

_____ 11. I’m intolerant and impatient towards those aspects of my personality I don't

like.

_____ 12. When I’m going through a very hard time, I give myself the caring and

tenderness I need.

_____ 13. When I’m feeling down, I tend to feel like most other people are probably

happier than I am.

40

1 2 3 4 5

Almost never Almost always

_____ 14. When something painful happens I try to take a balanced view of the situation.

_____ 15. I try to see my failings as part of the human condition.

_____ 16. When I see aspects of myself that I don’t like, I get down on myself.

_____ 17. When I fail at something important to me I try to keep things in perspective.

_____ 18. When I’m really struggling, I tend to feel like other people must be having an

easier time of it.

_____ 19. I’m kind to myself when I’m experiencing suffering.

_____ 20. When something upsets me I get carried away with my feelings.

_____ 21. I can be a bit cold-hearted towards myself when I'm experiencing suffering.

_____ 22. When I'm feeling down I try to approach my feelings with curiosity and

openness.

_____ 23. I’m tolerant of my own flaws and inadequacies.

_____ 24. When something painful happens I tend to blow the incident out of proportion.

_____ 25. When I fail at something that's important to me, I tend to feel alone in my

failure.

_____ 26. I try to be understanding and patient towards those aspects of my personality I

don't like.

41


Experiences Questionnaire)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

We are interested in your recent experiences. Below is a list of things that people

sometimes experience. Please use the scale below to indicate how much you

currently have experiences similar to those described. Please do not spend too long

on each item–it is your first response that we are interested in. Please be sure to

answer every item.

1 2 3 4 5

Never Rarely Sometimes Often All the time

_____1. I think about what will happen in the future.

_____2. I remind myself that thoughts aren’t facts.

_____3. I am better able to accept myself as I am.

_____4. I notice all sorts of little things and details in the world around me.

_____5. I am kinder to myself when things go wrong.

_____6. I can slow my thinking at times of stress.

_____7. I wonder what kind of person I really am.

_____8. I am not so easily carried away by my thoughts and feelings.

_____9. I notice that I don’t take difficulties so personally.

_____10. I can separate myself from my thoughts and feelings.

_____11. I analyze why things turn out the way they do.

_____12. I can take time to respond to difficulties.

_____13. I think over and over again about what others have said to me.

_____14. I can treat myself kindly.

_____15. I can observe unpleasant feelings without being drawn into them.

_____16. I have the sense that I am fully aware of what is going on around me and inside

me.

_____17. I can actually see that I am not my thoughts.

_____18. I am consciously aware of a sense of my body as a whole.

_____19. I think about the ways in which I am different from other people.

_____20. I view things from a wider perspective.

42


Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Please indicate how often the following statements apply to you by writing the

appropriate number from the scale below (1 – 5) in the blank alongside each item.

1 2 3 4 5

Almost never

(0-10%)

Sometimes

(11-35%)

About half the

time

(36-65%)

Most of the

time

(66-90%)

Almost always

(91-100%)

_____ 1. I am clear about my feelings.

_____ 2. I pay attention to how I feel.

_____ 3. I experience my emotions as overwhelming and out of control.

_____ 4. I have no idea how I am feeling.

_____ 5. I have difficulty making sense out of my feelings.

_____ 6. I am attentive to my feelings.

_____ 7. I know exactly how I am feeling.

_____ 8. I care about what I am feeling.

_____ 9. I am confused about how I feel.

_____ 10. When I’m upset, I acknowledge my emotions.

_____ 11. When I’m upset, I become angry with myself for feeling that way.

_____ 12. When I’m upset, I become embarrassed for feeling that way.

_____ 13. When I’m upset, I have difficulty getting work done.

_____ 14. When I’m upset, I become out of control.

_____ 15. When I'm upset, I believe that I will remain that way for a long time.

_____ 16. When I'm upset, I believe that I'll end up feeling very depressed.

_____ 17. When I'm upset, I believe that my feelings are valid and important.

_____ 18. When I'm upset, I have difficulty focusing on other things.

_____ 19. When I'm upset, I feel out of control..

_____ 20. When I'm upset, I can still get things done.

43

1 2 3 4 5

Almost never

(0-10%)

Sometimes

(11-35%)

About half the

time

(36-65%)

Most of the

time

(66-90%)

Almost always

(91-100%)

_____ 21. When I'm upset, I feel ashamed with myself for feeling that way.

_____ 22. When I'm upset, I know that I can find a way to eventually feel better.

_____ 23. When I'm upset, I feel like I am weak.

_____ 24. When I'm upset, I feel like I can remain in control of my behaviors.

_____ 25. When I'm upset, I feel guilty for feeling that way.

_____ 26. When I'm upset, I have difficulty concentrating.

_____ 27. When I'm upset, I have difficulty controlling my behaviors.

_____ 28. When I'm upset, I believe there is nothing I can do to make myself feel better.

_____ 29. When I'm upset, I become irritated with myself for feeling that way.

_____ 30. When I'm upset, I start to feel very bad about myself.

_____ 31. When I'm upset, I believe that wallowing in it is all I can do.

_____ 32. When I'm upset, I lose control over my behaviors.

_____ 33. When I'm upset, I have difficulty thinking about anything else.

_____ 34. When I'm upset, I take time to figure out what I'm really feeling.

_____ 35. When I'm upset, it takes me a long time to feel better.

_____ 36. When I'm upset, my emotions feel overwhelming.

44


Trait Meta-Mood Scale)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Please read each statement and decide whether or not you agree with it. Place a

number in the blank line next to each statement using the following scale:

1 2 3 4 5

Strongly

disagree

Somewhat

disagree

Neither agree

nor disagree

Somewhat

agree

Strongly agree

_____ 1. I try to think good thoughts no matter how badly I feel.

_____ 2. People would be better off if they felt less and thought more.

_____ 3. I don’t think it’s worth paying attention to your emotions or moods.

_____ 4. I don’t usually care much about what I’m feeling.

_____ 5. Sometimes I can’t tell what my feelings are.

_____ 6. I am rarely confused about how I feel.

_____ 7. Feelings give direction to life.

_____ 8. Although I am sometimes sad, I have a mostly optimistic outlook.

_____ 9. When I am upset, I realize that the “good things in life” are illusions.

_____10. I believe in acting from the heart.

_____11. I can never tell how I feel.

_____12. The best way for me to handle my feelings is to experience them to the fullest.

_____13. When I become upset, I remind myself of all the pleasures in life.

_____14. My belief and opinions always seem to change depending on how I feel.

_____15. I am often aware of my feelings on a matter.

_____!6. I am usually confused about how I feel.

_____17. One should never be guided by emotions.

_____18. I never give into my emotions.

_____19. Although I am sometimes happy, I have a mostly pessimistic outlook.

_____20. I feel at ease about my emotions.

_____21. I pay a lot of attention to how I feel.

45

1 2 3 4 5

Strongly

disagree

Somewhat

disagree

Neither agree

nor disagree

Somewhat

agree

Strongly agree

_____22. I can’t make sense out of my feelings.

_____23. I don’t pay much attention to my feelings.

_____24. I often think about my feelings.

_____25. I am usually very clear about my feelings.

_____26. No matter how badly I feel, I try to think about pleasant things.

_____27. Feelings are a weakness humans have.

_____28. I usually know my feelings about a matter.

_____29. It is usually a waste of time to think about your emotions.

_____30. I almost always know exactly how I am feeling.

46


Index of Core Spiritual Experiences)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

The following questions concern your spiritual or religious beliefs and experiences.

There are no right or wrong answers. For each question, circle the number of the

answer that is most true for you.

1. How strongly religious (or spiritually-oriented) do you consideryourself to be?

1 Not at all

2 Not very strong

3 Somewhat strong

4 Strong

2. About how often do you spend time on religious or spiritual practices?

1 Once per year or less

2 Once per month to several times per year

3 Once per week to several times per month

4 Several times per day to several times per week

3. How often have you felt as though you were very close to a powerful spiritual force?

1 Never

2 Once or twice

3 Several times

4 Often

47

PEOPLE HAVE MANY DIFFERENT IMAGES AND DEFINITIONS OF THE

HIGHER POWER THAT WE OFTEN CALL GOD. USE YOUR IMAGE AND

YOUR DEFINITION OF GOD (OR ALLAH) WHEN ANSWERING THE

FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

4. How close do you feel to God?

1 I don’t believe in God

2 Not very close

3 Somewhat close

4 Extremely close

5. Have you ever had an experience that has convinced you that God exists?

1 No 2 I don’t know 3 Maybe 4 Yes

6. Indicate whether you agree or disagree with this statement: “God dwells within you.”

1 Definitely disagree

2 Tend to disagree

3 Tend to agree

4 Definitely agree

The following list describes spiritual experiences that some people have had.

Indicate if you have had any of these experiences and the extent to which each of

them has affected your believe in God (Allah).

1: Never had this experience

2: Had this experience and it did not strength belief in God

3: Had this experience and it strengthened belief in God

4: Had this experience and it convinced me of God’s existence

1. An experience of profound inner peace 1 2 3 4

2. An overwhelming experience of love 1 2 3 4

3. A feeling of unity with the earth and all living beings 1 2 3 4

4. An experience of complete joy and ecstasy 1 2 3 4

5. Meeting or listening to a spiritual teacher or master 1 2 3 4

6. An experience of God’s energy of presence 1 2 3 4

48

1: Never had this experience

2: Had this experience and it did not strength belief in God

3: Had this experience and it strengthened belief in God

4: Had this experience and it convinced me of God’s existence

7. An experience of a great spiritual figure (i.e., Allah) 1 2 3 4

8. A healing of your body or mind (or witnessed such a healing)

1 2 3 4

9. A miraculous (or not normally occurring) event 1 2 3 4

10. An experience of angels or guiding spirits 1 2 3 4

11. An experience of communication with someone who has died

1 2 3 4

12. An experience with near death or life after death 1 2 3 4

13. Other (specify): ____________________________ 1 2 3 4

49


Rumination subscale of the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

The following

For each of the statements located on the next two pages, please indicate your level

of agreement or disagreement by placing the appropriate response (based on the

scale below) to the right of each statement.

1 2 3 4 5

Strongly

disagree

Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree

_____ 1. My attention is often focused on aspects of myself I wish I'd stop

thinking about.

_____ 2. I always seem to be "re-hashing" in my mind recent things I've said

or done.

_____ 3. Sometimes it is hard for me to shut off thoughts about myself.

_____ 4. Long after an argument or disagreement is over with, my thoughts keep

going back to what happened.

_____ 5. I tend to "ruminate" or dwell over things that happen to me for a really

long time afterward.

_____ 6. I don't waste time re-thinking things that are over and done with.

_____ 7. Often I'm playing back over in my mind how I acted in a past situation.

_____ 8. I often find myself re-evaluating something I've done.

_____ 9. I never ruminate or dwell on myself for very long.

_____ 10. It is easy for me to put unwanted thoughts out of my mind.

_____ 11. I often reflect on episodes in my life that I should no longer concern

myself with.

_____ 12. I spend a great deal of time thinking back over my embarrassing or

disappointing moments.

50

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