Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition.

Abstract

There has been substantial interest in mindfulness as an approach to reduce cognitive vulnerability to stress and emotional distress in recent years. However, thus far mindfulness has not been defined operationally. This paper describes the results of recent meetings held to establish a consensus on mindfulness and to develop conjointly a testable operational definition. We propose a two-component model of mindfulness and specify each component in terms of specific behaviors, experiential manifestations, and implicated psychological processes.We then address issues regarding temporal stability and situational specificity and speculate on the conceptual and operational distinctiveness of mindfulness. We conclude this paper by discussing implications for instrument development and briefly describing our own approach to measurement.

The benefits of simply observing: Mindful attention modulates the link between motivation and behavior.

“…Bishop et al (2004), however, offer a useful operational definition that covers many of these uses. Specifically, Bishop et al suggest that the main components of mindfulness are (1) the regulation of attention, and (2) a specific nonjudgmental orientation toward one's present-moment experiences that includes learning to see one's thoughts and feelings as "passing events in the mind" (p. 234).…”

“…Specifically, Bishop et al suggest that the main components of mindfulness are (1) the regulation of attention, and (2) a specific nonjudgmental orientation toward one's present-moment experiences that includes learning to see one's thoughts and feelings as "passing events in the mind" (p. 234). This component of mindfulness is also referred to as "decentering," "reperceiving," and cognitive insight (Bishop et al, 2004;Chambers, Gullone, & Allen, 2009;Shapiro et al, 2006), and, as we will show below, is of special relevance to dealing with attractive cues and the reward simulations they can trigger.…”

“…Specifically, we believe that viewing mindfulness as containing two critical componentsattention regulation and observing and accepting thoughts as passing mental events (see Bishop et al, 2004) -may help move research on mindfulness in these areas forward.…”

The power of presence: The role of mindfulness at work for daily levels and change trajectories of psychological detachment and sleep quality.

“…Put differently, while focusing on the present-moment, one simply notices what is happening without interfering with this experience by reflecting upon or evaluating these internal or external experiences. This phenomenon has also been referred to as re-perceiving (Shapiro, Carlson, Astin, & Freedman, 2006) or cognitive decentering (Bishop et al, 2004), describing a separation of the self from experiences, events, and mental processes (Glomb et al, 2011). By promoting a present-moment orientation, mindfulness helps individuals observe external events and internal thoughts and emotions from the perspective of an uninvolved bystander who simply notices what is going on with a nonjudgmental attitude.…”

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: What an Educator Needs to Know

“…He defined mindfulness as, "the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience" (Kabat-Zinn, 2003, p. 145). Bishop et al (2004) operationally defined mindfulness as consisting of two components: (1) self-regulation of attention, and (2) an attitude characterized by curiosity, openness, and acceptance of one's experience. The core of MBI includes awareness of breathing, awareness of bodily sensation, awareness of actions, awareness of mental states, and shifting attention from past and future to the present moment (Hwang & Kearney, 2013).…”