Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire – Short Form

What it measures

A brief 15-item version of the FFMQ, validated specifically in the context of mindfulness-based interventions (MBSR, MBCT). Retains the five-factor structure with 3 items per facet. Recommended when the full FFMQ-39 would be too burdensome, particularly in repeated-measures intervention studies.

Response format

Likert (1–5, never or very rarely true to very often or always true)

Representative items

• When I'm walking, I deliberately notice the sensations of my body moving. (Observing)
• I'm good at finding words to describe my feelings. (Describing)
• It seems I am 'running on automatic' without much awareness of what I'm doing. (R, Acting with Awareness)
• I criticise myself for having irrational or inappropriate emotions. (R, Non-Judging)
• I watch my feelings without getting lost in them. (Non-Reactivity)

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Freely available. Validated in both meditators and non-meditators. The Observing facet is most meaningful in experienced meditators. Useful as a less burdensome alternative to FFMQ-39 in repeated-measures designs. Well-validated specifically for MBCT/MBSR outcome research.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Gu, J., Strauss, C., Crane, C., Barnhofer, T., Karl, A., Cavanagh, K., & Kuyken, W. (2016). Examining the factor structure of the 39-item and 15-item versions of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire before and after mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for people with recurrent depression. Psychological Assessment, 28(7), 791–802.

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