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Mindfulness and Cognitive Functioning: Mechanisms and Impacts

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Abstract:
Cognitive-Related Targets Engaged by Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review and Evidence Map Context: Scientific research on the effects of mindfulness has increased drastically in the last two decades, and many of the findings demonstrate that mindfulness can improve health conditions such as anxiety, depression, hypertension, and pain. However, the mechanisms that mindfulness engages to improve these conditions remains unclear. It has been hypothesized that improvements in cognition through mindfulness may lead to improvements in other health outcomes. However, this hypothesis remains uncertain, and the ways in which improvements in cognition through mindfulness practice are studied and measured is not thoroughly examined. Objectives: The objective of this systematic review is to first assess the assays that have been used in randomized controlled trials of mindfulness-based interventions to measure changes in cognition following mindfulness practice. The second objective is to provide a description of the state of the evidence that supports mindfulness being effective for improving cognition. Methods: A systematic review was performed. Search terms relevant to mindfulness and cognitive processes were compiled and a search as conducted in four databases. Captured studies were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria, and those that meet all inclusion criteria and contain measures of cognitive processes are included in the systematic review. Results: The initial search captured 10,595 citations. Eight citations met all inclusion criteria and reported at least one cognition assay and are included in this review. Within the eight citations, 45 assays of cognition were reported. Conclusions: The results of this systematic review demonstrate the need for an expansion in the number and types of studies in the field focused specifically on cognitive domains of self- regulation. While preliminary evidence suggests that mindfulness may be an effective means of improving cognition, further study is necessary to confirm the notion that mindfulness practice can help improve cognition. Effects of Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction on Dispositional Mindfulness, Attention Control, and Blood Pressure Context: Research on the effects of mindfulness has grown in recent years, and preliminary evidence suggests that mindfulness-based interventions may have positive impacts on various health outcomes. Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to assess the effects of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction study on dispositional mindfulness, attention regulation, and blood pressure. Further objectives are to evaluate whether mindfulness and attention regulation are mechanisms through which Mindfulness-Based Pressure Reduction influences blood pressure. Methods: Data were collected from participants (n=43) from the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction program at baseline and 10 weeks follow-up. All participants had either hypertension or prehypertension (systolic/diastolic blood pressure > 120/180 mmHg). Outcome measures include the Mindful Awareness Attention Scale, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and blood pressure readings. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the effect of the program on these outcomes. Further analyses evaluated whether changes in dispositional mindfulness and attention were associated with changes in blood pressure. Results: The study demonstrated that the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction program may have significant effects on dispositional mindfulness (d=-0.42, d=-0.64), attention (d=-0.49), and blood pressure (d=-0.47, d=-0.31) in individuals with prehypertension and hypertension. Effects of MB-BP on blood pressure were particularly strong in participants with uncontrolled hypertension, and null in participants with prehypertension/controlled hypertension. Mediation analyses demonstrated no associations of changes in dispositional mindfulness or attention with changes in blood pressure. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the cultivation of mindfulness practice can improve dispositional mindfulness, attention, and blood pressure. However, dispositional mindfulness and attention may not be mechanisms through which MB-BP may influence blood pressure. At this time, Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction appears to be a suitable treatment method only for individuals with uncontrolled hypertension.
Notes:
Thesis (M. P. H.)--Brown University, 2017

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Citation

Sager, Lauren Anne, "Mindfulness and Cognitive Functioning: Mechanisms and Impacts" (2017). Public Health Theses and Dissertations. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library. https://doi.org/10.7301/Z0WD3Z1F

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