Assessment 1C - Equanimity Report Introduction - Psychology Project PSY30003 PDF

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Equanimity Measure Scale Development Introduction section for Lab Report - HD standard...

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Running head: A SELF-REPORT MEASURE OF EQUANIMITY

Development of a self-report measure of equanimity: The single factor EQY-S

Tamara Yee

101251430

Due Date: 5pm AEST Friday 14 August 2020 (Week 6) eLA: Kellie Swan Class: PSY30003 Psychology Project – Learning Group 06 Word Count: 1519

A SELF-REPORT MEASURE OF EQUANIMITY

Equanimity is an intriguing, complex concept that has recently begun to appear in modern psychology discourse, initially associated with mindfulness, meditation and other contemplative literature, and now increasingly the focal subject of further research and measurement. Desbordes et al. (2015, p.356) define equanimity as “an even-minded mental state or dispositional tendency toward all experiences or objects, regardless of their origin or their affective valence (pleasant, unpleasant, neutral) or source”, where even-mindedness is best understood as calmness, stability and composure; or as Juneau et al. (2020) describe in terms of neutrality of both attitude and feeling to all stimuli. Desbordes et al. (2015) further suggest that equanimous individuals are open, accepting, impartial (i.e., non-biased and interested in all people and things equally) and able to ‘let go’ (of thoughts and feelings), and not inclined towards over-excitement, repression, aversion, denial, judgement, craving or addiction; noting that such dispositions are contrary to typical human behaviour. They suggest that equanimity can also be viewed as an outcome variable of mindfulness meditation; that is, it is a key reason why people meditate; that they aspire to achieve equanimity through their commitment to such contemplative practice. Furthermore, they assert that in terms of improving well-being, equanimity is likely the most influential psychological factor, and based on this view, they urge further scientific exploration and investigation of this salient construct (Desbordes, 2015). Therefore, this research paper and its associated equanimity scale (EQY-S), endeavours to make a contribution in this regard. Equanimity has its origins in eastern culture and Buddhist traditions, referred to as one of the four ‘divine abodes’ (brahmavihara; also known as the four immeasurables or sublime states) which are loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), ultruistic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekka) according to buddhist scriptures (i.e., Pali Canon) (Bohdi, 2005, p.154). Juneau et al. (2020) assert the Buddhist belief that the acquisition of equanimity has the effect of decreasing suffering (duhkha; i.e., both physiological and psychological pain Tamara Yee - 101251430

A SELF-REPORT MEASURE OF EQUANIMITY 2 including sadness and dissatisfaction) and increasing happiness (sukha), thought to promote a more ‘real’/stable self-concept. Equanimity is traditionally sought through the iterative and therefore consolidating, practice of mindfulness (known as sati, in Pali Canon), defined as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention (in a particular way) on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment” (Kabat-Zin, 2003, p. 145), which has experienced an enormous upswing in popularity across western culture over recent decades. A growing body of literature supports the use of mindfulness-based interventions, facilitated through contemplative/meditative practice, to treat psychological problems such as depression and anxiety, and improve wellbeing generally (Fox et al., 2016; Goyal et al., 2014; Hofman, Sawyer, Witt, & Oh, 2010; Van Dam et al., 2018). Desbordes et al. (2015) were the pre-eminent researchers to fully define and conceptualise the construct of equanimity proposing a unidimensional model drawn from the literature discussing the associated construct of mindfulness. In turn, Juneau et al. (2020) have led the way with operationalisation and development of the first measure of equanimity; the EQUA-S, which proposes a multi-dimensional, two-factor structure employing a 14-item scale. Leveraging off the seminal Desbordes and colleagues literature (2015), Hadash et al.’s (2016) Decoupling Model of Equanimity, Buddhist scriptures, and a wide range of other mindfulness/contemplative research, Juneau et al. (2020) propose two factors, they label “Even-minded State of Mind (E-MSM)” measured using an 8-item subscale, and “Hedonic Independence (HI)” utilising a 6-item subscale. They discuss hedonic independence as an intentional detachment from both pleasant and aversive ongoing experience. By contrast, Desbordes et al. (2015), draw a clear distinction between detachment, which they assert is suggestive of types of control/emotion regulation (i.e., attempts to suppress, avoid or deny ourtwardly expressing emotion) that runs contrary to the ‘letting go’ aspect of equanimity that Tamara Yee - 101251430

A SELF-REPORT MEASURE OF EQUANIMITY 3 is better reflected by non-attachment, which sits comfortably within a single factor, evenminded model as proposed by this current paper. Desbordes et al. (2015) make much of differentiating between non-attachment and indifference/avoidant attachment/detachment/dissociation when defining and conceptualising equanimity. They proffer that equanimity permits an even/unbiased perception of awareness which fosters a non-resistant/non-attached approach to experience, where one is more a witness able to observe and not attach, that is fixate or feel compelled to acquire, alter, avoid or hold onto any aspect of experience, and therefore quickly move on from it, rather than a desire to judge and control responding to experience by detaching from it. Based on the concept of non-attachment being a key component of equanimity (Desbordes et al., 2015) measured by the current study, it naturally follows that convergent (construct) validity of the EQY-S could be tested using Chio, Lai and Mak’s (2018) Nonattachment Scale-Short Form (NAS-SF). It is noteworthy that Choi, Lai and Mak report a strong positive correlation (r = . 54) with equanimities associated construct of mindfulness, which based on Desbordes et al.’s (2015) breakdown of mindfulness, by comparison of existing mindfulness models, is likely a reflection of equanimity. Apart from using the NAS-SF to demonstrate convergent validity, the Neuroticism Subscale, characterised by an worry/anxiety and negative ideation and emotions (van den Hurk, 2011), of the Mini International Personality Item Pool-Five Factor Model measure (Mini-IPIP; Donnellan, Oswald, Baird & Lucas, 2006) would also be appropriate to test convergent validity of the EQY-S. That is, since Neuroticism has previously been shown to have a strong negative correlation (r = -.074) with the E-MSM Subscale of the EQUA-S which aligns with the single factor or the EQY-S. Furthermore, Van Dam et al. (2018) quote the results of research by Giluk in 2009 demonstrating a strong negative correlation with mindfulness, which is also consistent with multiple examples of research presented by Tamara Yee - 101251430

A SELF-REPORT MEASURE OF EQUANIMITY 4 Desbordes et al. (2015) that shows associations between decreased trait neuroticism signalled by improved emotion regulation and decreased amygdala activation shown on fMRI following mindfulness-based interventions which Desbordes et al. (2015) assert facilitate the development of equanimity. In another study by van den Hurk et al. (2011), researchers explored the relationship between mindfulness and personality traits as well as how four mindfulness skills mediated these relationships; of particular interest is the skill and associated subscale they referred to as “Accept-without-judgement” which largely reflects the Desbordes et al. (2015) conceptualisation of equanimity. The authors report significant mediation by the Accept-without-judgement subscale, of the relationship between mindfulness and neuroticism. The Mini-IPIP, specifically the Extraversion Subscale (Donnellan et al., 2006), characterised by an inclination to be engaging/sociable/outgoing and positive affect (van den Hurk, 2011), is also a suitable measure to test the discriminant (construct) validity of the EQY-S, since Juneau et al. (2020) found no significant correlation between trait extraversion and the E-MSM Subscale (as well as the HI Subscale) of their EQUA-S. The aforementioned van den Hurk et al. study (2011) also reported that there no significant mediation by the Accept-without-judgement subscale (established earlier as a representation of equanimity), of the relationship between mindfulness and extraversion. Apart from measuring equanimity, personality trait domains and non-attachment, this study also used a single item to ascertain the weekly average number of hours that participants meditate each week, to assess the correlation between hours spent meditating and equanimity. This will provide a useful assessment of concurrent (criterion-related) validity. Juneau et al. (2020) note a positive correlation between increased practice of mindful meditation and increases on both subscales of their EQUA-S; a pattern that is expected to be repeated in the current study. Desbordes et al. (2015) also assert that mindful meditation Tamara Yee - 101251430

A SELF-REPORT MEASURE OF EQUANIMITY 5 usually plays a pivotal role in facilitating the development of equanimity and cite several studies that support this assertion, typically linked to hours of meditative practice or length of meditative experience. While mindfulness and meditation have received substantial attention in the recent psychological research literature; despite an uptick in interest in the associated concept of equanimity, there has thus far been little research undertaken regarding this construct. This paper, therefore, aims to make inroads in this regard by developing and validating a psychometric measure of equanimity, and adding to the burgeoning body of literature in this under-explored area of contemplative practice research. As Desbordes et al. (2015) assert this will facilitate the ongoing measurement of equanimity and contemplative practice generally and assist win the development and assessment of the efficacy of related psychological health interventions and inform associated educational practices. Consequently, to determine factorial validity, it was hypothesised that the Equanimity scale (EQY-S) would be a unidimensional construct in line with Desbordes et al.’s definition of equanimity. To ascertain convergent (construct) validity, it was hypothesised that scores on the EQY-S would have a strong positive correlation with scores on the Nonattachment Scale – Short Form (NAS-SF). To further support convergent validity, it was hypothesised that scores on the EQY-S would have a strong negative correlation with the Neuroticism Subscale on the Mini International Personality Item Pool-Five Factor Model measure (Mini-IPIP). To establish discriminant (construct) validity, it was hypothesised that scores on the EQY-S would have no significant correlation with the Extraversion Subscale on the Mini-IPIP measure. Finally, to demonstrate concurrent (criterion-related) validity, it was hypothesised that there would be a strong positive correlation between the number of hours of meditation practiced per week and scores on the EQY-S.

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A SELF-REPORT MEASURE OF EQUANIMITY 6 References Bohdi, B. (2005). In the Buddha’s words: An anthology of discourses from the Pali Canon. Somerville, M. A.: Wisdom Publications. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/ Choi, F., Lai, M., & Mak, W. (2018). Development of the Nonattachment Scale-Short Form (NAS-SF) using item response theory. Mindfulness, 9(4), 1299-1308. doi: 10.1007/s12671-017-0874-z Desbordes, G., Gard, T., Hoge, E. A., Hölzel, B. K., Kerr, C., Lazar, S. W., ... Vago, D. R. (2015). Moving beyond mindfulness: defining equanimity as an outcome measure in meditation and contemplative research. Mindfulness, 6(2), 356-372. doi: 10.1007/s12671-013-0269-8 Donnellan, M. B., Oswald, F. L., Baird, B. M., & Lucas, R. E. (2006). The Mini-IPIP Scales: Tiny-yet-effective measures of the Big Five Factors of Personality. Psychological Assessment, 18(2), 192-203. doi: 10.1037/1040-3590.18.2.192 Fox, K. C., Dixon, M. L., Nijeboer, S., Girn, M., Floman, J. L., Lifshitz, M., … Christoff, K. (2016). Functional neuroanatomy of meditation: A review and meta-anlysis of 78 functional neuroimaging investigations. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 65, 208-228. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.03.021 Goyal, M., Singh, S., Sibinga, E. M., Gould, N. F., Rowland-Seymour, A., Sharma, R., … Cramer, H. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Deutsche Zeitschrift fuer Akapunktur, 57(3), 2627. doi: 10.1016/j.dza.2014.07.007

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A SELF-REPORT MEASURE OF EQUANIMITY 7 Hadash, Y., Segev, N., Tanay, G., Goldstein, P., & Berstein, A. (2016). The decoupling model of equanimity: Theory, measurement, and test in a mindful intervention. Mindfulness, 7(5), 1214-1226. doi: 10.1007/s12671-016-0564-2 Hofman, S. G., Sawyer, A. T., Witt, A. A., & Oh, D. (2010). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 169-183. doi: 10.1037/a0018555 Juneau, C., Pellerin, N., Trives, E., Ricard, M., Shankland, R., & Dambrun, M. (2020). Reliability and validity of an equanimity questionnaire: the two factor equanimity scale. PeerJ, 8, e.9405. doi: 10.7717/peerj.9405 Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science & Practice, 10(2), 144–156. doi: 10.1093/clipsy.bpg016 Van Dam, N. T., van Vugt, M. K., Vago, D. R., Schmalzl, L., Saron, C. D., Olendzki, A., ... Meyer, D. E. (2018). Mind the hype: A critical evaluation and prescriptive agenda for research on mindfulness and meditation. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13(1), 36-61. doi: 10.1177/1745691617709589 Van den Hurk, P. A., Wingens, T., Giommi, F., Barendregt, H. P., Speckens, A. E. & van Schie. (2011). On the relationship between the practice of mindfulness meditation and personality – An exploratory analysis of the mediating role of mindfulness skills. Mindfulness, 2(3), 194-200. doi: 10.1007/s12671-011-0060-7

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