Abstract
Objectives
Equanimity is a non-reactive attitude that is increasingly recognized as a central component of mindfulness practice and a key mechanism of mindfulness-based interventions that is currently lacking means of measurement. The present study aimed to develop a self-report measure of equanimity, explore its underlying factor structure, validity and reliability.
Methods
An initial pool of 42 items was selected from existing mindfulness questionnaires and measures of related constructs, and subsequently reviewed by researchers and selected based on majority agreement on their construct validity. The Qualtrics online platform was used to administer these items and other questionnaires used to assess validity and collect demographic information in 223 adults from the general community (66.8% females and 33.2% males, age range = 18–75). Questionnaires were then re-administered to assess test-retest reliability.
Results
In agreement with past research, exploratory factor analysis revealed two underlying factors, Experiential Acceptance and Non-reactivity. A final 16-item measure showed good internal consistency (⍺ = .88), test-retest reliability (n = 73; r = .87, p < .001) over 2–6 weeks and convergent and divergent validity, illustrated by significant correlations in the expected direction with the Nonattachment Scale, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Distress Tolerance Scale.
Conclusions
Based on this initial study, the Equanimity Scale-16 appears to be a valid and reliable self-report measure to assess trait equanimity, and may be further explored in future studies as a tool to assess progress during mindfulness-based interventions, and to assist in the investigation of their underlying mechanisms.
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Acknowledgements
We thank Dr. Andrea Grabovac for her assistance with item selection.
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HR: executed the study, analyzed the data and co-wrote the paper. AS: co-designed the study and collaborated with the writing of the study and with the editing of the manuscript. BC: collaborated with the design and writing of the study and editing of the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript for submission. This manuscript was completed in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Technology Sydney, October 2018.
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The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Technology Sydney, Australia (UTS HREC Ref 2015000482-74). Participants were fully informed of the procedure and aims of the study and gave their informed consent.
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Appendix
Appendix
Equanimity Scale-16 (ES-16)
Select the response that best describes how you view yourself, based on the scale below. Select the appropriate responses based on how much you agree with each statement right at this moment. Try not to spend too much time of any one item. There are no right or wrong answers.
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Strongly disagree = 1
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Mildly disagree = 2
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Agree and disagree equally = 3
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Mildly agree = 4
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Strongly agree = 5
Item number | Item | Subscale |
1 | When I experience distressing thoughts and images, I am able to accept the experience | Experiential Acceptance |
2 | I approach each experience by trying to accept it, no matter whether it is pleasant or unpleasant | Experiential Acceptance |
3 | When I have a distressing thought or image, I “step back” and am aware of the thought or image without getting taken over by it | Experiential Acceptance |
4 | When I have distressing thoughts or images, I am able just to notice them without reacting | Experiential Acceptance |
5 | I can pay attention to what is happening in my body without disliking or wanting more of the feeling or sensation | Experiential Acceptance |
6 | I endeavor to cultivate calm and peace within me, even when everything appears to be constantly changing | Experiential Acceptance |
7 | I perceive my feelings and emotions without having to react to them | Experiential Acceptance |
8 | I remain present with sensations and feelings even when they are unpleasant | Experiential Acceptance |
9 | When I notice my feelings, I have to act on them immediately | Non-reactivity |
10 | I notice that I need to react to whatever pops into my head | Non-reactivity |
11 | I am impatient and can’t stop my reactivity when faced with other people’s emotions and actions | Non-reactivity |
12 | I am not able to prevent my reaction when someone is unpleasant | Non-reactivity |
13 | If I notice an unpleasant body sensation, I tend to worry about it | Non-reactivity |
14 | I am not able to tolerate discomfort | Non-reactivity |
15 | When I feel physical discomfort, I can’t relax because I am never sure it will pass | Non-reactivity |
16 | I can’t keep my mind calm and clear, especially when I feel upset or physically uncomfortable | Non-reactivity |
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Rogers, H.T., Shires, A.G. & Cayoun, B.A. Development and Validation of the Equanimity Scale-16. Mindfulness 12, 107–120 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01503-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01503-6