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comparability and generalization of results. Although overlaps between the MAAS and other
measures are highlighted in this thesis, basically, different scales do cover different
conceptualizations. Thus, there are two important implications for further research: firstly, to
reach consensus about a unique definition and, secondly, the development and application
of a uniform measure to guarantee the comparability of results and, in particular, to make
Discussion
statements about causality in the long-term. A good candidate is the definition of mindfulness as
“enhanced attention to and awareness of current experience or present reality” (Brown & Ryan,
2003, p. 822). By highlighting the nature of mindfulness as a quality of consciousness (Brown et
al., 2007a), the definition of Brown and Ryan is independent of any belief system, specific
therapeutic interventions, or particular practice (Brown & Ryan, 2003; Brown & Ryan, 2004a).
Thus, it overlaps with all existing definitions, and a comparison of existing trait mindfulness
measurements supports a global factor structure. In this broad sense, this definition can be
applied to a variety of contexts (Brown & Ryan, 2003). Still, it might be questionable whether
this definition is applicable to all clinical contexts and further research is necessary to target the
validation of the MAAS for diverse clinical populations. With regard to the work context, the
rather neutral definition by Brown & Ryan seems to be accurate. Concerning the application of a
uniform measure, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) from Baer et al. (2006) is a
good candidate, because it follows internal scale construction. However, it has only been
validated with student samples and further studies should target its validation in the work
context. In contrast, the MAAS has been validated in the general, employed population (cf.
Brown & Ryan, 2003) and thus should be considered as a uniform measure in the work area.
4.2 Methodological Approaches
The utilization of mindfulness measures is a methodological issue that should be
considered by the interpretation of the presented results: Mindfulness is inherently defined as a
state, according to Brown and Ryan (2003). However, state scales are underrepresented in
general and moreover, those that exist are barely applied (Brown & Cordon, 2009). For instance,
there is only one study in which Brown and Ryan themselves use their state MAAS (cf. Brown &
Ryan, 2003). Thus, most results of this thesis refer to measured trait mindfulness.