Mindfulness as practice: A network analysis of FMI data

Mindfulness research implicitly conceives of mindfulness as an identifiable real ‘thing’ that exists beyond what is directly observed. Recently, a new methodology has been developed which allows to be modelled complex system or network at the level self-report. In these models, items become network's nodes, and statistical relations between them, edges. Interpreted causally, nodes are thought increasingly influence each other via their edges, such they correlated. This study hypothesises cross-sectional level, this may result in differences overall connectivity (density) practitioners non-practitioners. networks were estimated for non-practitioners using Friedberg Inventory (FMI). A total 371 regular 283 (including 59 irregular practitioners) recruited online from Amazon Mechanical Turk. Comparisons practitioners’ non-practitioners’ indicated density did not significantly differ, whereas evidence was found support significant difference structure. An exploratory analysis revealed substantive group how (practices) connected. particular, practice Acceptance appeared more central relative non-practitioners' network, indicating particularly useful engagement practices. The supports investigating self-report, with implications development conceptualised. lack indicates needed examine dynamics context practice.