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Grant History
Varela Grant

Mindfulness for the masses: Understanding the approachability of mindfulness-based interventions and measurement of mindfulness among understudied diverse communities

Amanda Shallcross
Topics: Mindfulness | Social Change

Evidence for the therapeutic effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been demonstrated primarily in high-socioeconomic, White samples. The under-representation of socioeconomically and racially and ethnically diverse samples in MBI studies has raised questions about the approachability and cultural relevancy of MBIs for these communities. Further, among the few studies that have included diverse samples, scores on self-report measures of mindfulness are difficult to interpret because mindfulness scales have also nearly exclusively been validated in socioeconomically and racially homogenous samples. Using a mixed-methods approach (focus groups and quantitative surveys) we aim to: a) characterize and develop a model to understand general perceptions of mindfulness, interest in MBIs, and potential barriers and facilitators to engaging with MBIs in a community sample of socioeconomically diverse Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, and White participants with elevated stress (N=600) and; b) examine the validity, reliability, and cross-cultural performance of the Five Facet of Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in each racial/ethnic group in our sample. Results will provide an evidence-based framework that will inform how to improve the approachability of MBIs at the population-level. Findings will additionally indicate whether the FFMQ can be used to accurately measure mindfulness across socioeconomically and racially and ethnically diverse communities.

Amanda Shallcross, MPH

New York University School of Medicine

Grantee

Amanda Shallcross is a board-certified naturopathic physician with clinical and research expertise in preventative and integrative behavioral medicine and public health. Her research utilizes multiple methodologies including laboratory tasks, experience sampling, behavioral … MORE

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Mind & Life Institute
  • About
    • Mission and Values
    • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
    • 35 Years
    • Strategy
    • History
    • People
    • Careers
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Dialogues and Conversations
    • Summer Research Institute
    • Mind & Life Connect
    • Inspiring Minds
  • Grants
    • Varela Grants
    • PEACE Grants
    • Contemplative Changemaking Grants
    • Awards
    • Mentoring
  • Online Learning
    • Insights Essays
    • Mind & Life Podcast
    • Online Courses
    • Digital Dialogues
    • Academic Papers
  • Media
    • Blog
    • Documentaries
    • Books
    • Videos
  • Support
    • Why Give
    • Ways to Give
    • Annual Reports
  •