Cognitive effects of MBSR/MBCT: A systematic review of neuropsychological outcomes.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether 8-week standardized mindfulness training programs (MBCT and MBSR) improve attention, memory, and executive function as measured by neuropsychological tests.
Results Summary
The study found no significant improvements in attention or executive function but noted preliminary evidence for working memory, autobiographical memory, cognitive flexibility, and meta-awareness enhancements. Short-term mindfulness training did not improve theorized attentional pathways.
Population
Not specified (general population implied by abstract).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (8-week standardized programs mentioned).
Duration
8 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) | no change | attention | - | no significant change | did not support improvements | #1 |
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) | no change | executive function | - | no significant change | did not support improvements | #2 |
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | no change | attention | - | no significant change | did not support improvements | #3 |
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) | no change | executive function | - | no significant change | did not support improvements | #4 |
8-week standardised and manualised mindfulness training programs | increase | working memory | - | - | found preliminary evidence for improvements | #5 |
8-week standardised and manualised mindfulness training programs | increase | autobiographical memory | - | - | found preliminary evidence for improvements | #6 |
8-week standardised and manualised mindfulness training programs | increase | cognitive flexibility | - | - | found preliminary evidence for improvements | #7 |
8-week standardised and manualised mindfulness training programs | increase | meta-awareness | - | - | found preliminary evidence for improvements | #8 |
Short-term mindfulness meditation training | no change | theorised attentional pathways | - | no significant change | did not enhance | #9 |
Mindfulness is theorised to improve attention regulation and other cognitive processes. This systematic review examines whether 8-week standardised and manualised mindfulness training programs such as Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) enhances attention, memory and executive function abilities measured by objective neuropsychological tests. Seven databases were searched resulting in 18 studies meeting inclusion criteria for review. Overall studies did not support attention or executive function improvements. We found preliminary evidence for improvements in working memory and autobiographical memory as well as cognitive flexibility and meta-awareness. Short-term mindfulness meditation training did not enhance theorised attentional pathways. Results call into question the theoretical underpinnings of mindfulness, further highlighting the need for a comprehensive theoretical framework.