articleEmotionFeb 1, 2010Closed access

Examining the protective effects of mindfulness training on working memory capacity and affective experience.

APAmishi P. JhaEAElizabeth A. StanleyAKAnastasia KiyonagaLMLing M. WongLALois A. Gelfand

University of Pennsylvania · Georgetown University

PubMed
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Abstract

We investigated the impact of mindfulness training (MT) on working memory capacity (WMC) and affective experience. WMC is used in managing cognitive demands and regulating emotions. Yet, persistent and intensive demands, such as those experienced during high-stress intervals, may deplete WMC and lead to cognitive failures and emotional disturbances. We hypothesized that MT may mitigate these deleterious effects by bolstering WMC. We recruited 2 military cohorts during the high-stress predeployment interval and provided MT to 1 (MT, n = 31) but not the other group (military control group, MC, n = 17). The MT group attended an 8-week MT course and logged the amount of out-of-class time spent practicing formal MT…

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Authors

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Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Psychology
  • Mindfulness
  • Affect (linguistics)
  • Working memory
  • Cognition
  • Memory span
  • Developmental psychology
  • Clinical psychology
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Decent work and economic growth
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