Mindfulness may give healthy adults a small gain in attention
HelpedThe short version
In 18 studies, mindfulness helped healthy adults focus a bit better than other groups.
- 18
- studies pooled
- 1,632
- healthy adults in 27 trials
- Recorded
- behaviour was recorded
- 1 tool
- tested
The review
Who took part
1632 healthy adults aged 18 to 65 took part in 27 trials.
What they did
Most trials taught mindfulness over more than two days, often in group classes. Eleven used well-known programmes. The other groups waited, did nothing new, or did an active task such as reading or relaxation.
What happened
Attention improved a little more than in the other groups, and so did executive control. Working memory did not clearly change, and more class sessions went with bigger gains, an exploratory finding. Many trials were at high risk of bias, mostly because people dropped out.
What the review found
- Helped
In 18 studies, mindfulness helped healthy adults focus a bit better than other groups.
Pooled analysis of 18 studies · vs people who waited or did other activities · behaviour was recorded · ⚠ whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited
How solid is this?
- Large group
- Behaviour was recorded
- Many people dropped out
- Whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited
Source
The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Attention, Executive Control and Working Memory in Healthy Adults: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (2021)
DOI: 10.1007/s10608-020-10177-2 (opens in a new tab)
