Validation of the French Version of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM) Among Samples of French and Indigenous Youth

Two independent studies were conducted to validate and assess the psychometric properties of the French-Canadian version of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure among samples of French and Indigenous youth. In study 1, 589 adolescents (60% girls) aged from 15 to 18 years from two urban high schools, and, in study 2, 311 (51% girls, 43% Indigenous) adolescents aged from 14 to 19 years from two rural high schools completed the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM) and other measures to assess its construct validity. An exploratory (study 1) and a confirmatory (study 2) factor analysis validated the single-factor solution. Results also indicate that the French-Canadian version of the CAMM had no floor or ceiling effects, as well as an adequate internal consistency and 2-week and 3-month test-retest reliability. The construct validity of the scale was supported by positive correlations with measures of self-esteem, resilience, and empowerment, and by negative correlations with psychological symptoms and family violence and difficulties. Child sexual abuse was also related to lower levels of mindfulness. Overall, results suggest that the CAMM may be a useful and appropriate tool to globally assess mindfulness among youth. Data also support the cross-cultural application of this scale among Indigenous adolescents.