Abstract
Objectives
This article describes the concept of caring for bliss and provides initial data on the development and validation of the Caring for Bliss Scale (CBS). Caring for bliss is defined as the cultivation of inner joy or genuine happiness based on a peaceful state of mind and a compassionate heart. It entails practices designed to generate feelings of happiness in the here and now, search for lasting happiness inside oneself, appreciate what one has, and follow the deepest desires of one’s heart.
Methods
Data from two studies (n = 205 and n = 692) of young adults were used.
Results
Confirmatory factor analysis showed evidence for a unidimensional factor structure of the CBS. In addition, hierarchical regression analysis revealed that caring for bliss accounted for unique variance in aspects of subjective and psychological well-being, above and beyond mindfulness and self-compassion.
Conclusions
Caring for bliss is a new concept that can be reliably measured by four items, which explain unique variance in people’s well-being.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the participants in this study and the research assistants who helped with the wording of the items.
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MR: developed the scale, designed and executed study 1, analyzed the data, and wrote the manuscript. TL: developed the scale, analyzed the data, and collaborated in the writing and editing of the manuscript. RWM: designed and executed study 2 and collaborated in the writing and editing of the manuscript. FDF: designed and executed study 2 and collaborated in the writing and editing of the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript for submission.
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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were approved by Utah State University and Florida State University in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional review board and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.
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Rudaz, M., Ledermann, T., May, R.W. et al. A Brief Scale to Measure Caring for Bliss: Conceptualization, Initial Development, and Validation. Mindfulness 11, 615–626 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01267-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01267-8