Translation and validation of the Arabic version of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) among the Lebanese population

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the MAAS (A-MAAS) among Lebanese adults, determine its reliability and validity, and explore its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2023. A sample of 483 Lebanese adults, aged between 18 and 60 years, from all the Lebanese governorates completed a questionnaire consisting of three sections: socio-demographic characteristics, health-related questions, and the Arabic versions of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (A-MAAS) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Our findings revealed that the A-MAAS exhibited strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.932). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the one-dimensional structure accuracy of the scale, and the significant correlations with PANAS scales supported its convergent validity. Test-retest results displayed strong reliability (ICC = 0.983). The study revealed significant associations, indicating that worse memory performance, smoking, and negative emotions were linked to lower A-MAAS scores, suggesting lower levels of mindfulness. Our study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the utility of the MAAS in assessing mindfulness and attention. Continued research efforts will be crucial for advancing our understanding and application of mindfulness assessment tools in diverse populations and clinical settings.