The effect of mindfulness training on executive function in youth with depression.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether an 8-session mindfulness training could improve executive function (inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in youth with depression.
Results Summary
Mindfulness training significantly improved inhibitory control (Stroop task) in youth with depression and enhanced working memory in young adults, though it did not significantly affect cognitive flexibility or working memory in adolescents.
Population
Youths aged 15-27 years with depression.
Effective Dosage
8 sessions (frequency not specified).
Duration
8 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness training | decrease | Stroop effect size | youth with depression | - | significantly reduced | #1 |
mindfulness training | no change | switching cost | youth with depression | - | effect was not statistically significant | #2 |
mindfulness training | increase | N-back task | young adults with depression | - | improved accuracy | #3 |
mindfulness training | decrease | N-back task | young adults with depression | - | shortened reaction time | #4 |
mindfulness training | no change | working memory | adolescents with depression | - | failed to improve | #5 |
mindfulness training | increase | inhibitory control | youth with depression | - | improved | #6 |
mindfulness training | increase | working memory | young adults with depression | - | improved | #7 |
Youth depression is often associated with impairments in cognitive function, especially in executive function. This study examines the effect of an 8-session-long mindfulness training that can improve executive function in youth with depression. Sixty youths (age range 15-27 years) with depression were selected as participants and were randomized into a mindfulness training group (MTG) and a waitlist-control group (WCG). The MTG received an 8-week mindfulness training while the WCG received no intervention. Both groups performed the Stroop, N-back, and More-odd shifting tasks at baseline and after eight weeks to examine inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility of executive function, respectively. The results showed that mindfulness training significantly reduced the Stroop effect size for MTG (p < 0.001), but the effect on the switching cost was not statistically significant (p = 0.975). There was an age effect of mindfulness training on working memory. For young adults, mindfulness training improved accuracy on the N-back task (p < 0.01) and shortened reaction time, although this effect slightly exceeded the significance level (p = 0.075). However, mindfulness training failed to improve the working memory of adolescents with depression. In conclusion, mindfulness training improved inhibitory control in youth with depression. It also improved working memory in young adults with depression, but future studies with large samples are needed to validate the improvement in working memory.