Awareness Versus Un-Clinging: Which Matters in Mindfulness?

• Published in: Contemporary Buddhism Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 277 - 291
• Main Authors: Ng, Siu-man, Chow, King Wo, Lau, Hi Po, Wang, Qi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 03.07.2017
• ISSN: 1463-9947; 1476-7953
• DOI: 10.1080/14639947.2017.1374326

Awareness and un-clinging have been emphasised in Buddhist discourse as important facets of mindfulness practice for over 2500 years. However, there is a lack of rigorous research examining the relationship between these two elements and their importance to well-being. To evaluate these abstract constructs, the current study adopted multiple assessment modalities; namely, a self-report scale, experience sampling (assessing 'momentary mindfulness'), and semi-structured interviews (assessing 'rater-rated mindfulness'). A total of 415 participants completed the questionnaire survey. Among them, 71 participants further took part in the experience sampling procedure and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that self-reported awareness was mildly correlated with momentary mindfulness (r = .35) but was not significantly correlated with rater-rated mindfulness. Self-reported un-clinging was moderately correlated with rater-rated mindfulness (r = .53) but was not significantly correlated with momentary mindfulness. Un-clinging, but not awareness, can distinguish meditators from non-meditators. Lastly, based on the Buddha's mindfulness discourse, a path analysis model illustrates that the effects of un-clinging and awareness on stress reduction are mediated by emotional intelligence and non-attachment. Practical implications and future research designs are discussed.