Title
The impact of intensive mindfulness training on attentional control, cognitive style, and affect
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Cognitive Therapy and Research
Publication Date
6-1-2008
Volume
32
Issue
3
First Page
303
Last Page
322
Publisher
Springer New York LLC
Keywords
Attention, Depression, Executive Cognition, Meditation, Mindfulness, Rumination, Working Memory
Abstract
To evaluate the impact of an intensive period of mindfulness meditation training on cognitive and affective function, a non-clinical group of 20 novice meditators were tested before and after participation in a 10-day intensive mindfulness meditation retreat. They were evaluated with self-report scales measuring mindfulness, rumination and affect, as well as performance tasks assessing working memory, sustained attention, and attention switching. Results indicated that those completing the mindfulness training demonstrated significant improvements in self-reported mindfulness, depressive symptoms, rumination, and performance measures of working memory and sustained attention, relative to a comparison group who did not undergo any meditation training. This study suggests future directions for the elucidation of the critical processes that underlie the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness-based interventions.
DOI
10.1007/s10608-007-9119-0
Print ISSN
01475916
E-ISSN
15732819
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Chambers, R., Lo, B. C. Y., & Allen, N. B. (2008). The impact of intensive mindfulness training on attentional control, cognitive style, and affect. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 32(3), 303-322. doi: 10.1007/s10608-007-9119-0
