Does mindfulness-based intervention improve cognitive function?: A meta-analysis of controlled studies.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) are theoretically linked to cognitive enhancement.
• Empirical evidence for MBIs' effects on cognition remains mixed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis clarifying the empirical evidence of MBIs on cognitive function.
• To examine effects across attention, working memory, long-term memory, and executive function.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of 25 studies with 1439 participants.
• Meta-regression analyses to explore heterogeneity and moderating factors.

Main Results:

• Non-significant effects of MBIs on attention (SMD = 0.07), working memory (SMD = 0.16), and long-term memory (SMD = -0.12).
• A small, significant effect of MBIs on executive function (SMD = 0.29).
• Intervention type moderated effects on attention and executive function.

Conclusions:

• MBIs demonstrate preliminary evidence for improving executive function.
• Overall, MBIs do not yield significant cognitive benefits for attention, working memory, or long-term memory.
• Further research is required to address methodological limitations and confirm findings.