Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire

What it measures

A comprehensive multidimensional measure of mindfulness derived from factor analyses of five existing instruments. Captures five distinct mindfulness facets. Widely used as a detailed alternative to the MAAS in MBI research.

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)
• When I do things, my mind wanders off and I'm easily distracted. (R, Acting with Awareness)
• I tell myself that I shouldn't be feeling the way I'm feeling. (R, Non-Judging)
• I perceive my feelings and emotions without having to react to them. (Non-Reactivity)

This is a licensed instrument — representative items are shown for reference only. Obtain the original scale materials from the publisher before use in research.

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Five subscale scores are the primary output; a total score is also used. FFMQ-24 and FFMQ-15 short versions available. The Observing facet behaves differently in meditators vs. non-meditators — interpret accordingly.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Baer, R.A., Smith, G.T., Hopkins, J., Krietemeyer, J., & Toney, L. (2006). Using self-report assessment methods to explore facets of mindfulness. Assessment, 13(1), 27–45.

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