Validation of a French Version of the Nondual Awareness Dimensional Assessment-Trait

Nondual awareness (NDA) is a unified, unchanging state of consciousness without other mental contents, often achieved through contemplative practices and linked to well-being. This study validated a French version of the Nondual Awareness Dimensional Assessment-Trait (NADA-T) scale, which measures predisposition to NDA during mindfulness meditation or experiences with reduced mental activity. Among 294 French-speaking students who completed an online survey, the original scale structure—one global factor (NDA) and two specific factors (self-transcendence and bliss)—showed very good statistical indicators. Convergent and discriminant validity were also good. Recommendations included reformulating two items. The preliminary French version shows acceptable psychometric properties in a student population, but further studies are needed to confirm factor structure, test temporal stability, and extend results to other populations.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Nondual awareness (NDA), a unified, unchanging state of consciousness devoid of other phenomenal contents, can be achieved by various means such as contemplative practices. NDA seems to have a beneficial effect on well-being. This study aimed to validate a French version of the Nondual Awareness Dimensional Assessment-Trait (NADA-T) scale used to measure predisposition to NDA in the context of mindfulness meditation, during experiences with reduced phenomenal content, referring to a marked decrease in usual mental activity. To do this, 294 French-speaking students anonymously completed an online survey to allow us to examine the construct validity, internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity of the French version of the NADA-T. They also provided information about their meditation practice or other experiences that led them to experience this state of non-duality. The original structure, with one global factor (NDA) and two specific factors (self-transcendence and bliss), showed very good statistical indicators. In addition, the results showed good convergent and discriminant validity. Recommendations to address some of the study’s limitations included reformulating 2 items. However, although this preliminary French version of the NADA-T shows acceptable psychometric properties in a student population, further studies are needed to confirm the factor structure, test temporal stability, and extend these results to other populations.