Exploring oneness (“nondual awareness”) as a mechanism of mindfulness

Oneness or nondual awareness—an experiential state of dissolving boundaries between self and world—may be a key mechanism through which mindfulness improves wellbeing. Across three studies, expert meditators identified seven themes of oneness, including foundational orientations (wholeness, unboundedness) that influence other aspects. A new 84-item scale measuring 21 factors of oneness showed good validity. In a structural equation model, oneness significantly mediated the relationship between mindfulness and wellbeing indicators, suggesting that fostering oneness experiences could amplify mindfulness's positive effects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background Oneness or nondual awareness refers to an experiential state characterized by the dissolution of boundaries between subject and object, often associated with a profound sense of connection. Historically rooted in spiritual practices, this experience has gained attention in contemporary secular and scientific frameworks. Despite the well-documented benefits of mindfulness on wellbeing, the mediating role of oneness remains underexplored. This thesis investigates the hypothesis that oneness mediates the relationship between mindfulness and wellbeing, employing a three-study framework. The studies aim to define the components of oneness, develop a measurement scale, and evaluate its mediating effects. Methods Study 1 utilized collective intelligence methods with a sample of expert meditators to reach a consensus on the components of oneness experience. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) was applied to analyse interrelations among identified components. Study 2, building on the expert insights from Study 1, sought to develop a psychometric scale for measuring oneness experience. Factor analysis was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the scale. In Study 3, the foundational orientations factors derived from the oneness scale were included in a structural equation model (SEM) analysis to determine their mediating effects on the relationship between mindfulness and wellbeing outcomes. Results Study 1 identified seven themes of oneness experiences, including foundational orientations (e.g., wholeness, unboundedness), action orientation (e.g., free-flow), self- perception (e.g., ego-dissolution), other-perception (e.g., connection), deconditioning and embodiment (e.g., aliveness, clarity), emotions (e.g., peace), and interpersonal emotions (e.g., open-heartedness). A meta-analytical structure revealed that foundational orientations significantly influence other aspects of oneness. In Study 2, factor analysis resulted in the development of a oneness experience scale with 84 items measuring 21 factors. The scale demonstrated good convergent validity with existing measures. Study 3 found that the experience of oneness significantly mediates the relationship between mindfulness and wellbeing indicators, suggesting that oneness may be a key mechanism of mindfulness. Conclusion This thesis offers a grounded understanding of oneness, a psychometrically sound measure of oneness experience, and advances empirical knowledge of the ways in which oneness experience can enhance wellbeing. The findings contribute to theoretical frameworks surrounding mindfulness and nondual awareness, suggesting that fostering oneness experiences may amplify the positive impacts of mindfulness on wellbeing outcomes. Future research directions include further validation of the oneness scale and exploration of oneness experience in diverse populations and settings