Exploring the Facilitating Environment for Mindfulness Meditation: Establishing a Framework through Analysis of Means (ANOM) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA)

Chen, Anran; Tang, Yue

Abstract

Objective
While mindfulness meditation is an established practice for improving well-being, the physical environment for this activity awaits further exploration. This research aimed to explore how the physical environment facilitates mindfulness meditation and to establish a framework through Analysis of Means (ANOM) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The framework was intended to provide guidance for organisations and individuals to better design or modify physical space to support their mindfulness meditations.

Method
This study used methods to establish an initial research framework from the literature on mindfulness, architectural design, and environmental psychology. A survey of UK mindfulness practitioners was conducted in 2021–2022 to provide insights from a quantitative perspective. The data were analysed using ANOM and EFA to obtain a comprehensive framework based on the responses.

Results
Through a review of the literature and empirical study, nine physical factors with controllable elements were identified, ranked by their relative importance. Quietness, the use of supportive tools, and natural sounds were found to be the most important.

Conclusion
This research suggests the priority elements for groups and individuals to consider when adapting the physical environment for mindfulness meditation. The results revealed quietness as the most beneficial controllable element for its facilitation. Additionally, the use of supportive meditation tools was also important. Considering these top elements first could support practitioners' mindfulness meditation more effectively and efficiently.

Citation

Chen, A., & Tang, Y. (2024). Exploring the Facilitating Environment for Mindfulness Meditation: Establishing a Framework through Analysis of Means (ANOM) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Mindfulness, 15, 2519-2535. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02442-2

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 26, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 19, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-10
• Deposit Date: Aug 28, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 20, 2025
• Journal: Mindfulness
• Print ISSN: 1868-8527
• Electronic ISSN: 1868-8535
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Pages: 2519-2535
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02442-2
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/38905581
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-024-02442-2