Assessing Mindfulness Barriers: Turkish Validation of the Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness Scale (FRM) via a Bifactor Model Approach

Abstract

The Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness Scale (FRM) is a self-report measure to help identify who may fear of, have blocks against, and show resistances to mindfulness. The goal of the present study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the FRM. The study recruited a sample of 448 participants. Participants completed several instruments including the Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. Factor analyses confirmed the original two-factor structure of the FRM with good internal consistency and a bifactor model of the FRM. Measurement invariance analyses across gender showed consistent psychometric properties across gender. The subscales and the general factor had positive associations with depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas they predominantly were negatively associated with well-being indicators or irrelevant. This study confirms the original factor structure of the FRM in a non-Western context with a bifactor model. The Turkish version of the FRM is a valid and reliable instrument. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.