The effect of mindfulness meditation on working memory: An observational study in MBBS students of RVM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Siddipet, Telangana
Mousumi Chakrabarty, Priya Gajendra Shinde
National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology April 2, 2026 DOI: 10.5455/njppp.2023.13.02065202315022023 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 50 |
| Population | MBBS students |
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness meditation |
| Key findings | Eight weeks of mindfulness meditation significantly improved working memory in MBBS students as measured by a visual memory test. |
Abstract
Background: Meditation is a practice that has been shown to improve calmness, enhance attention, and produce a focused mind. Mindfulness is the quality of being fully engaged with whatever we are doing, being free from distraction. Students nowadays are stressed due to increasing competition relating to their academic performance and career building which, in turn, affects their performance and mental health. Most studies which show that mindfulness meditation improves focus, attention, or memory were done under supervision in serene environment away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Our study aimed to see whether some benefit of such practice could also be attained in our everyday life settings when done for a short time and without much training or supervision. Aims and
Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of short-term mindfulness meditation on working memory in MBBS students using visual memory test and compare with a control group.
Materials and Methods: Total 50 students were taken and divided into two groups-test and control. A baseline measurement of their working memory by visual memory test was done. A similar test was repeated after 8 weeks of regular mindfulness meditation exercise in the test group while the control group continued with their previous routine. The results were compared with their previous performance as well as with the control group using student t-test.
Results: The recorded changes were analyzed for statistical significance. The results showed statistically significant improvement in the score of test group (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Our study showed that a period of 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation was helpful in improving working memory. By practicing mindfulness meditation, we train our mind to concentrate on the present moment, leaving aside our problems, worries, and stresses. This regular practice may improve brain network training which results in improvement in working memory. [Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol 2023; 13(9.000): 1879-1882]
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |