Greater efficiency in attentional processing related to mindfulness meditation

Abstract

In this study, attentional processing in relation to mindfulness meditation was investigated. Since recent studies have suggested that mindfulness meditation may induce improvements in attentional processing, we have tested 20 expert mindfulness meditators in the attention network test. Their performance was compared to that of 20 age- and gender-matched controls. In addition to attentional network analyses, overall attentional processing was analysed by means of efficiency scores (i.e., accuracy controlled for reaction time). Better orienting and executive attention (reflected by smaller differences in either reaction time or error score, respectively) were observed in the mindfulness meditation group. Furthermore, extensive mindfulness meditation appeared to be related to a reduction of the fraction of errors for responses with the same reaction time. These results provide new insights into differences in attentional processing related to mindfulness meditation and suggest the possibility of increasing the efficiency in attentional processing by extensive mental training.

Keywords:

• Attention
• Attention network test
• Mental training
• Mindfulness meditation

Notes

¹ An organ system is defined as differentiated structures made up of various cells and tissues and adapted for the performance of some specific function and grouped with other structures into a system (Posner & Petersen, 1990).

² A retreat is a period of secluded, continuous, and intensive group practice of meditation, varying from 1 week to 1 month or even more (the retreat in the Jha et al. study lasted 1 month). MBSR is an 8-week programme with weekly group sessions of 3 hours and daily homework.

³ Normalized network data were calculated by dividing the absolute network effect by the mean RT of the two conditions used to calculate the network effect. See Wang et al. (2005) for similar analyses of RT network scores.