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Long-term meditation: the relationship between cognitive processes, thinking styles and mindfulness.
Rosa Angela Fabio1, Giulia Emma Towey2
1Cognitive Empowerment Laboratory, Department of Cognitive Sciences, Psychology, Education and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Via Concezione, 6, 98122, Messina, Italy.
Cognitive Processing
|November 8, 2017
Summary
Long-term meditation practice significantly enhances cognitive functions, including attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. This study highlights meditation
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Meditation is increasingly recognized for its potential impact on cognitive functions.
- Understanding the specific cognitive benefits of long-term meditation practice is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between long-term meditation and cognitive functions.
- To demonstrate that sustained meditation practice improves attention and cognitive flexibility.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of 18 long-term meditation practitioners with a matched control group.
- Assessment of attention, visual search, working memory, and Stroop interference using computerized software.
- Exploration of links between meditation, mindfulness, and information processing styles.
Main Results:
- Significant differences observed between meditation practitioners and the control group.
- Long-term meditation practice is associated with enhanced attentional functions.
- Improvements in working memory and cognitive flexibility were noted in practitioners.
Conclusions:
- Long-term meditation practice demonstrably improves key cognitive functions.
- Findings support meditation as a valuable tool for cognitive enhancement.
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