Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have dramatically increased in recent years. However, the lack of research and a sound taxonomy is limiting the dissemination of information and the development of targeted MBIs.
MBIs are increasingly prevalent in medicine. Surprisingly, there has been no concomitant increase in research on how to use MBIs for specific medical conditions. Also, there is no empirically sound taxonomy on mindfulness skills to support the development of MBIs. The eMindful Mindfulness Classification Construct™ (eMCC™), the first validated taxonomy of mindfulness skills, has been developed specifically to address these challenges.
During the initial stage of development, eMCC™ had eight skill categories. Subsequently, the primary categories were reduced to seven—Awareness, Focus, Cognitive Flexibility, Curious Observation, Turning Toward, Attitudes of Mindfulness, and Accessing Wise Mind—based on the feedback from subject matter experts. Besides, many secondary skills were incorporated under these seven primary categories.
Though the primary categories have passed the initial validation test, the category, Accessing Wise Mind, is likely to be renamed to describe the skills listed under it more accurately. In addition, some more thought needs to be put into the secondary skill subcategories and categorizing specific practices used to train each skill.
eMCC™ could be used to match mindfulness skills with specific conditions. Researchers can use the taxonomy to match specific MBIs to patients based on characteristics such as sub-population and illness. It is expected that the precision medicine approach to MBIs facilitated by the taxonomy, might produce dramatic results. Consequently, patients might find a greater desire to engage and adhere to the treatment.
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