Langer Mindfulness Scale Research Articles

Beyond coincidence: An investigation of the interplay between synchronicity awareness and the mindful state.

The mindful state is commonly characterized by an elevated awareness of the present moment. An intriguing and rather widespread phenomenon that requires the attention to the present moment is Synchronicity Awareness. This phenomenon refers to the sense of a profound psychological connection between an internal event (e.g., thought, image, or dream) and external events. Whereas mindfulness and its underlying cognitive processes have been well documented, synchronicity awareness, despite its deep roots, has been scarcely examined empirically, and little is known about the cognitive mechanisms underlying it. The present study aimed to further validate the recently developed Synchronicity Awareness and Meaning Detection (SAMD) scale and explore its potential relationship with various mindfulness measures. To this end, 572 participants engaged in an online survey, incorporating the SAMD, Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire, Mindful Awareness and Attention Scale, Langer's Mindfulness Scale, and Encoding Style Questionnaire. The results revealed that synchronicity awareness, meaning detection, and mindfulness are distinct constructs. A significant association between synchronicity and core facets of mindfulness was observed, indicating that participants with higher SAMD scores were more sensitive to inner sensations, more novelty-seeking, and engaged in their actions. Additionally, SAMD scores were linked to internal encoding style, suggesting a top-down processing of experiences. However, synchronicity was not associated with outwards-directed mindful awareness, suggesting that it might involve an intrinsic attentional process, influenced by internal cues. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Interplay of academic emotion regulation, academic mindfulness, L2 learning experience, academic motivation, and learner autonomy in intelligent computer-assisted language learning: A study of EFL learners

In the evolving landscape of second language (L2) education, Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (ICALL) stands out as a transformative force with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Despite its growing prominence, integrating cognitive and affective constructs such as academic emotion regulation and mindfulness remains underexplored in ICALL environments. This study addresses this gap by examining their interplay with L2 learning experience, academic motivation, and learner autonomy among Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Drawing on data from 398 intermediate EFL learners, this research utilized a comprehensive array of validated instruments, including the Academic Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, the Langer Mindfulness Scale, the L2 Learning Experience Scale, the Academic Motivation Scale, and the Learner Autonomy Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed significant correlations, indicating that academic emotion regulation positively influences L2 learning experience, academic motivation, and learner autonomy within ICALL settings. Furthermore, academic mindfulness emerged as a robust predictor of these educational outcomes in ICALL environments. These findings underscore the pivotal role of ICALL in L2 education and offer practical insights for teachers, curriculum developers, and policymakers to enhance teaching and learning practices.

Mindfulness disposition as a protective factor against stress in Antarctica: A potential countermeasure for long-duration spaceflight?

BackgroundLong-duration missions in isolated, confined, and extreme environments, including Antarctica and upcoming deep-space operations, can be a source of increased stress. The identification of countermeasures and protective factors is required to support health and performance in similar contexts. Mindfulness disposition is an optimal candidate, but no research has ever explored this potential association. MethodsTwenty-four crew members from two Antarctic expeditions at the Concordia base were repeatedly assessed over the course of a 12-month mission for stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and mindfulness, using multiple assessment measures, including the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS), the Breath Counting Task, and the Triangle Task. ResultsResults indicate a strong negative association over time between mindfulness and stress, particularly when measured with the MAAS and the LMS. Higher MAAS baseline values were also good predictors of lower stress patterns during the mission. ConclusionsMindfulness disposition was negatively associated with stress over time, suggesting that it can play an important role in stress mitigation in isolated and confined environments, including long-duration space missions. Furthermore, a mindfulness assessment could be added to the crew selection procedure.

Development and Validation of the Japanese Version of the Langer Mindfulness Scale

AbstractMeasures for meditative mindfulness have been developed and validated. However, relatively little attention is paid to a socio‐cognitive definition of mindfulness, also known as Langerian mindfulness. Socio‐cognitive mindfulness is an indispensable perspective for studying mindfulness within a social context. In this research, we conducted one pilot and two formal studies online, with a total of 831 Japanese participants, to develop and validate the Japanese version of the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS‐J). In the pilot study, we confirm the dimensionality via exploratory factor analysis. In Study 1, confirmatory factor analysis and test–retest reliability based on a 4‐week interval were performed. In Study 2, convergent and discriminant validity were tested by examining the relationships between Langerian and meditative mindfulness, Big Five personality traits, and life satisfaction. Overall, the results suggest that the factor structure of the LMS‐J is similar to its original version, and the LMS‐J is a reliable and valid measure. Therefore, the LMS‐J can be used to measure Langerian mindfulness in the Japanese population, especially for research in individual development within a social context.

The mindfulness bridge: Exploring education and cognitive performance in older adults with low educational attainment

BackgroundLow literacy is associated with poor cognitive performance and it is a risk factor for dementia. Recently, research suggests an association between levels of mindfulness and cognitive performance of older adults. This study aims to analyze if levels of mindfulness mediate the relationship between years of education and cognitive performance in older adults with low education. MethodsThis is a quantitative, observational, and analytical study whose participants were cognitively healthy community-dwelling older adults. Participants were assessed through a sociodemographic questionnaire, ACE-III, Langer Mindfulness Scale – 21 items, and Geriatric Depression Scale. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed, and the significance level was set at p<0.05. ResultsMean scores for cognitive performance, levels of mindfulness, and depressive symptoms were, respectively, 74.4 (±18), 104 (±17.4), and 2.5 (±1.9). The mediation analysis suggested a total effect of years of education on cognitive performance of 2.29 (p<0.001), a direct effect of years of education on cognitive performance, controlling for levels of mindfulness, of 1.87 (p<0.001), and an indirect effect of years of education on cognitive performance, via levels of mindfulness, of 0.42 (95 % Bias-Corrected and Accelerated Confidence Interval [0.09 to 0.76]). ConclusionOur findings suggested that levels of mindfulness mediate the relationship between years of education and cognitive performance among healthy older adults with low educational attainment.

Validation of the Brazilian Version of the Langer Mindfulness Scale.

Background and Purpose: The Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS) is distinguished from other mindfulness scales by its dimensions, which are closely related to the awareness and experience of novelty, and by being a scale derived from a cognitive perspective of information processing. There are no mindfulness instruments of this type available in Brazil. Therefore, this study aimed to carry out a translation and cultural adaptation of the LMS into Brazilian Portuguese and to validate and assess the internal consistency and convergent construct validity of the translated instrument. Methods: The study had two distinct stages: (a) translation and cultural adaptation of the LMS into Brazilian Portuguese and (b) validation of the adapted instrument using a sample of 543 participants. Results: The Brazilian version of the LMS demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, with confirmatory factor analysis supporting the original four-factor model. Correlations between LMS, and the Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale were statistically significant and in the expected directions. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the Brazilian version of LMS, with its four dimensions, presents acceptable psychometric properties and seems to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the state of mindfulness in a Brazilian cultural context.

Life Experiences in Neuromuscular Tracheotomized Patients in Times of Covid-19.

The management of tracheotomy at home can be very complex, affecting the patient's quality of life. This case series study aimed to explore the experiences of patients affected by neuromuscular diseases (NMD) concerning tracheostomy and Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) management at home during the COVID-19 health emergency in Italy. Semi-structured interviews and the following instruments were used: Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25); Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II); State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS). Descriptive analyses, correlations, and qualitative analyses were carried out. 22 patients [50% female, mean age = 50.2 (SD = 21.2)] participated in the study. Participants who showed high levels of dispositional mindfulness in terms of novelty-seeking (r = 0.736, p = 0.013) and novelty production (r = 0.644, p = 0.033) were those with higher resilience. The main emotion that emerged was the fear of contagion (19 patients, 86.36%), due to the previous fragile condition, leading to a significant sense of abandonment. The tracheostomy's perception is seen in extremes as a lifesaver or a condemnation. The relationship with the health professionals moves from satisfaction to a feeling of abandonment with a lack of preparation. The relationship between resilience, flexibility, state anxiety and dispositional mindfulness offers ways to reinforce tracheostomy management at home, even in critical periods when going to the hospital may be difficult.

Caregivers of Neuromuscular Patients Living with Tracheostomy during COVID-19 Pandemic: Their Experience.

Background: During a pandemic, tracheostomy management in neuromuscular disease (NMD) patients can be complex. Methods: Using a multicentre, multiple case study approach, we sought perspectives through semi-structured interviews via hybrid quali-quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis involved a semi-structured interview and the quantitative analysis the completion of a battery of questionnaires. Aim: To investigate the caregivers’ experiences, burden and beliefs regarding tracheostomy during the Italian COVID-19 pandemic. The following instruments were administered: Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25); Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II); State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS); Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Results: Fifty-three caregivers (62.3% female, mean age 52.2 (SD = 18.2)) participated in the study. The more resilient the carers, the more they were psychologically flexible (r = 0.380, p = 0.014) and able to cope adaptively with the emergency (r = 0.378, p < 0.006). Similarly, perceived control was higher the more resilient they were (r = 0.897, p < 0.001). The main emotions emerging were isolation and loneliness (15; 34.88%). The perception of tracheostomy meant that it could be seen as a lifesaver or as a condemnation. Similarly, the relationship with health professionals moves from satisfaction to a feeling of abandonment over the course of the pandemic. Conclusions: These findings offer a unique opportunity to understand the point of view of caregivers of NMD patients living with tracheotomy during the COVID-19 pandemic, when going to the hospital may have been hampered.

The Development of the Japanese Version of the Langer Mindfulness Scale

The Development of the Japanese Version of the Langer Mindfulness Scale

A Pilot Study on Timing of Immediate Information Affects Work Performance and Langer Mindfulness Negatively Predict Work Performance

Instant messaging (IMing) applications are already widely used in work settings, but some argue that the intrusive nature of instant messaging can affect productivity. Langer Arian Mindfulness is considered to be associated with work performance. The purpose of the present pilot study was to explore the impact of instant messaging and Langer Mindfulness on work outcomes. Total 30 participants were recruited, a mixed design experiment was conducted, Participants were divided into a control group (do not received IMing during the task) and an experimental group (received and responded to 8 immediate messages during the task). Participants were first asked to fill out the Langer Mindfulness scale (LMS), then were asked to watch a 12-minute video and complete a test on the content of the video to test their memory of the video content. Within the experimental group, the timing of the pop out of the 8 instant messages was carefully designed to be divided into masked messages (appearing 10 seconds before the appearance of the to-be-tested message) and non-masked messages (appearing 10 seconds after the appearance of the to-be-tested message). Result indicated that for instant message effect, after controlling for subjective difficulty of subjects on the post-experiment test, only non-masked immediate information impaired subject performance, which suggested the timing sensitive of interruption. For effect of mindfulness, the LMS negatively predicted task performance. Stepwise regression showed that the Flexibility subscale of LMS negatively predicted task performance, and the higher the Langer Mindfulness, participants were more vulnerable to be affected by immediate information.

The fatigue illusion: the physical effects of mindlessness

Attitudes that are blindly adopted, termed premature cognitive commitments, can place unnecessary limitations on how we perceive and engage in the world around us, including how we perceive fatigue. Fatigue is still widely treated as a somatic reaction, caused by physical limitations. In contrast to this, our hypothesis, based on Langer’s mind/body unity theory, states that people perceive fatigue at proportional milestones during a task, regardless of how long it is, how strenuous it is, or whether it is physical or cognitive, and that fatigue can be manipulated psychologically. Five studies were designed to investigate (a) whether or not proportional perceptions of fatigue, or fatigue milestones, exists, rendering fatigue an illusion and (b) whether perceptions of fatigue are malleable by way of Langerian mindfulness, offering individuals control in the management of fatigue. Study 1 introduced a fatigue scale and used retrospective perceptions about travel-fatigue. Study 2 added an objective measure of physical fatigue in a cognitive task. Study 3 tested the illusion of fatigue on an athlete population in a physical task. Study 4 included the Langer Mindfulness Scale to further study subjective perceptions of fatigue in physical tasks. Study 5 tested mindful interventions on fatigue. The findings indicate that (a) an illusion of fatigue exists, with proportional set-in and peak milestones, what we label the fatigue illusion and (b) constructs of Langerian mindfulness offer individuals control over the timing, amount, and even the experience of fatigue.

Fostering and sustaining teacher resilience through integration of Eastern and Western mindfulness

During the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures have brought significant disruptions to education throughout the world. This pandemic has affected the mental state of teachers from having to adapt to provide online classes. Teacher resilience refers to the capacity of teachers to survive and thrive in extremely adverse circumstances and sustain their educational purposes. This study attempts to empirically examine the effect of mindfulness on teacher resilience through integrating characteristics of Eastern and Western mindfulness. A concurrent triangulation mixed methodology was applied in this study. In the quantitative part, the cross-sectional questionnaires were completed by 330 teachers who were working in five universities in Thailand and had faced the crisis of COVID-19. The Mindfulness Awareness Attention Scale (MAAS) was employed to quantify mindfulness in Eastern perspective, and the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS14) was employed to quantify mindfulness in Western perspective. The Employee Resilience (EmpRes) was used to measure teacher resilience. The estimated structural equation model (SEM) provides strong and convincing support that Western mindfulness positively affects teacher resilience. Novelty seeking and novelty producing which are core factors of Western mindfulness mediate the relationship between mindfulness in Eastern perspective and teacher resilience. Where the survey data were collected, we conducted focus group interviews with five university teachers and executives who had experienced the crisis to understand this relationship in qualitative methodology simultaneously. The findings give additional support to the argument of how mindfulness plays an important role in enhancing teacher resilience. Discussion and practical implications are also included.

Revisiting the five-facet structure of mindfulness

The current study aimed to replicate the development of the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in a sample of 399 undergraduate students. We factor analyzed the Mindful Attention and Awareness Questionnaire (MAAS), the Freiburg Mindfulness Scale, the Southampton Mindfulness Questionnaire (SMQ), the Cognitive Affective Mindfulness Scale Revised (CAMS-R), and the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS), but also extended the analysis by including a conceptually related measure, the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS), and a conceptually unrelated measure, the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS). Overall, we found a partial replication of the five-factor structure, with the exception of non-reacting and non-judging which formed a single factor. The PHLMS items loaded as expected with theoretically related factors, whereas the LMS items emerged as separate factor. Finally, we found a new factor that was mostly defined by negatively worded items indicating possible item wording artifacts within the FFMQ. Our conceptual validation study indicates that some facets of the FFMQ can be recovered, but item wording factors may threaten the stability of these facets. Additionally, measures such as the LMS appear to measure not only theoretically, but also empirically different constructs.

Linking digital literacy and online information searching strategies of Philippine university students: The moderating role of mindfulness

The extent to which students are able to maximize the potential benefits of information from the online world depends, in great measure, on the development of a set of skills that would make them effective users and decision-makers. While previous studies have revealed the role of prior knowledge, availability of ICT resources and infrastructure in the development of information-type skills, the identification of other unexplored variables remains important in information science. This paper seeks to ascertain the moderating role of mindfulness on digital literacy and online information searching strategies on a select group of university students in the Philippines. Structural equation modeling was used to test a hypothesized model and explore the factors affecting the information-seeking behavior of 321 students from the largest comprehensive university in the Philippines. A multi-aspect instrument, consisting of a robotfoto, and three scales such as the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS), Internet Skills Scale (ISS), and Online Information Searching Strategies Inventory (OISSI), was used in this study. Results revealed that digital literacy had a direct positive relationship with the online information searching strategies of students. Surprisingly, mindfulness did not moderate the relationship between digital literacy and online information searching strategies. Further, digital literacy was found to be a mediating factor to university students’ information searching strategies. Implications of these for library practice and policy are discussed in this paper.

MEASURING MINDFULNESS IN OLDER ADULTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW OF EXISTING MEASURES

Mindfulness is the process of non-judgmental, present-moment awareness and has increasingly been used in psychotherapy. Self-report measures that assess mindfulness are vital in clinical research and practice in order to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based psychotherapies. Many mindfulness measures have been developed, but it is unclear which measures have been validated with older adults. The purpose of this review was to identify measures that have been validated in adults age 50 and older. PubMed was searched through March 2019. Search terms were “mindfulness” and terms denoting measurement (e.g., “measure,” “measurement”). Review articles, dissertations, and non-English publications were excluded. Articles were independently evaluated by three raters. Studies describing measures that did not exclusively evaluate mindfulness were excluded. Sixty-two articles were included and described 27 mindfulness measures. The most frequently studied measures were the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (n=13) and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (n=14). Only three psychometric studies had a participant sample with a mean age of 50 and over, with one study having a sample with a mean age of 71. The measures evaluated in these studies were the Five Facet Mindfulness Scale and Langer Mindfulness Scale. Eighteen studies included some older adults, though the numbers were not large enough to yield a mean age over 50. Validation of mindfulness measures in adults age 50 and over has been largely neglected. Additional psychometric research is needed to validate commonly used measures in this population.

Less Binge Eating and Loss of Control over Eating Are Associated with Greater Levels of Mindfulness: Identifying Patterns in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity.

Obesity is a public health concern resulting in widespread personal, social, and economic burden. Many individuals with obesity report feeling unable to stop eating or to control their food intake (i.e., a loss of control over eating) despite their best efforts. Experiencing loss of control over eating predicts further eating pathology and is a key feature of binge eating. Mindfulness (i.e., awareness and acceptance of current thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surrounding events) has emerged as a potential strategy to treat such eating disorder behaviors, but it is not known whether there is merit in investigating this strategy to address binge eating in postmenopausal women with obesity. Thus, this study aimed to examine the relationships between binge eating and mindfulness in postmenopausal women with obesity seeking weight loss treatment. Participants (n = 101) were assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, the Loss of Control over Eating Scale, the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Langer Mindfulness Scale. Participants´ overall scores on both mindfulness scales were significantly and negatively correlated with binge eating frequency or the severity of loss of control over eating. Moreover, participants who reported fewer binge eating episodes were significantly more mindful than those who reported greater frequencies of binge eating episodes within the past 28 days. These findings suggest a merit in investigating the use of mindfulness-based therapies to treat binge eating in postmenopausal women with obesity.

Novice online educator conceptual frameworks: a mental model exploration of mindful learning design

ABSTRACTThis research study explores the relationship between the socio-cognitive concept of mindfulness and university educators’ learning design conceptualisations. The multi-method research strategy utilises a concept-mapping exercise to reveal learning designer mental models for comparison with Langer Mindfulness Scale scores and critical event interviews to further illuminate the conceptualisations and factors that impact educators’ thinking when designing online units. Research participants were asked to create a concept map of their learning design and to be mindful of concepts incorporated into a Graduate Certificate of Tertiary Education. The analysis highlights some congruence between educators’ mindfulness dimensions and their learning design conceptual frameworks. The mindfulness scores appear to indicate a propensity to be more mindful in designing curriculum, as indicated by participant concept maps, yet not necessarily towards the adaptive use of technology or learner/activity-based pedagogies. The authors suggest metacognitive strategies to encourage learning design reconceptualisation.

Mindful Learning Improves Positive Feelings of Cancer Patients' Family Caregivers.

Positive feelings are an important health dimension for family caregivers of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Langerian mindfulness is a valid proactive method to increase the positive feelings of family caregivers for cancer patients. Participants were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness group or a mindlessness group and completed the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) as a measure of caregivers’ feelings before the intervention. Subsequently, both groups were given four sessions of mindfulness training using “innovation classification”. Finally, participants completed the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS) and the Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) scale as post-intervention measures. The results revealed that participants in the mindfulness and mindlessness groups differed significantly in LMS and PAC scores, with the mindfulness group having higher levels of positive feelings than those in the mindlessness group. The results also indicated that mindfulness level significantly predicted positive feelings of caregivers. Thus mindful interventions may play a meaningful role in promoting family caregivers’ spirituality and faith, improving the willingness of sharing their thoughts, beliefs, and grief, which could be useful for increasing the positive feelings of caregivers.

Langerian mindfulness, quality of life and psychological symptoms in a sample of Italian students

BackgroundNoticing new things, accepting the continuously changing nature of circumstances, and flexibly shifting perspectives in concert with changing contexts constitute the essential features of Langerian mindfulness. This contrasts with a “mindless” approach in which one remains fixed in a singular mindset and is closed off to new possibilities. Despite potentially important clinical applications for this construct, few studies have explored them. The instrument developed to measure Langerian mindfulness is the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS), although this tool has been limited primarily to English-speaking populations. The study aimed to test LMS validity in the Italian language and to analyze the relationships between Langerian mindfulness and well-being.MethodsWe translated the LMS into Italian, analyzed its factor structure, and investigated the correlation between mindfulness and quality of life and psychological well-being in a sample of 248 Italian students (88.7% females, mean age 20.05). A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the tri-dimensional structure of the English LMS in the Italian version.ResultsThe primary analysis found a significant negative correlation between mindfulness and psychological symptoms including obsessive-compulsive tendencies, depression, anxiety, and paranoid ideation. There was also a positive correlation between mindfulness and reports of quality of life.ConclusionsThe Italian LMS appears reliable and it shows relevant correlations with well-being.

Enabling a Socio-cognitive Perspective of Mindfulness: The Development and Validation of the Langer Mindfulness Scale

This article outlines the development of a 14-item measure of socio-cognitive mindfulness. Using eight samples (including multisource and multi-wave data) with a total of 4139 responses the authors developed a reliable scale with a tri-dimensional factor structure that replicated across five separate samples. The scale possessed both convergent and discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity was demonstrated through the scale’s relation with development-related categories of psychological well-being, such as life satisfaction and humor, dimensions of physical well-being, e.g., strength, flexibility, and reaction time, as well as aspects of social and organizational well-being including job satisfaction, creativity. Overall, the present study suggests that the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS14) is a reliable and valid measure and that the LMS has important implications for individual development within social contexts.