Optimizing Performance and Mental Skills With Mindfulness-Based Attention Training: Two Field Studies With...

Area of Science:

• Military psychology
• Cognitive performance enhancement
• Mindfulness-based interventions

Background:

• Optimal performance in high-stress military occupations requires strong mental skills like attention and emotion regulation.
• Previous research indicates mindfulness training (MT) can enhance cognitive performance in military personnel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a short-form mindfulness program, Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT), on operational performance, mental skills, and psychological health in active duty soldiers.
• To compare the effects of proctored versus unproctored mindfulness practice within a military context.

Main Methods:

• Two randomized trials involving 121 (Study 1) and 77 (Study 2) active duty soldiers.
• Participants were assigned to MT with proctored practice, MT with unproctored practice, or a waitlist control group.
• A 4-week program included weekly 2-hour MBAT sessions, followed by 4 weeks of guided or self-directed mindfulness practice.

Main Results:

• Higher frequency of mindfulness practice correlated with improved performance and mental skills.
• In Study 1, practicing ≥3 days/week improved marksmanship under stress, reduced attentional lapses and emotion regulation difficulties, and increased mental toughness and self-reported mindfulness.
• Study 2 also found practice frequency linked to fewer attentional lapses and emotion regulation difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Regular engagement in mindfulness practice, as delivered through MBAT, can optimize operational performance in military cohorts.
• Mindfulness training appears to be an effective strategy for enhancing crucial mental skills for soldiers operating under stress.