[The Effect of a Short-Term Mindfulness Program on Memory Performance in School-Aged Children]

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Childhood cognitive development is crucial.
• Memory performance in school-aged children can be influenced by various interventions.
• Mindfulness practices are increasingly explored for their cognitive benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of a one-week mindfulness-based intervention on memory performance in 8- to 10-year-old children.
• To compare the effectiveness of breathing meditation and yoga on short-term and long-term memory.
• To assess the impact of a brief mindfulness program on cognitive functions in childhood.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-three children (8-10 years old) were quasi-randomly assigned to breathing meditation, yoga, or an active control group.
• Intervention consisted of six consecutive daily sessions.
• Short-term and long-term memory were assessed before and after the one-week intervention.

Main Results:

• Both breathing meditation and yoga groups showed positive effects on memory performance compared to the control group.
• Breathing meditation and yoga had comparable effects on long-term memory.
• Breathing meditation uniquely improved short-term memory performance.

Conclusions:

• Short-term mindfulness programs are effective in enhancing memory functions in school-aged children.
• Breathing meditation offers specific benefits for short-term memory, while both meditation and yoga benefit long-term memory.
• Even brief mindfulness interventions can yield significant cognitive benefits for children.