[The Effect of a Short-Term Mindfulness Program on Memory Performance in School-Aged Children].

A one-week mindfulness program improved memory in 8- to 10-year-old children. Seventy-three children were quasi-randomly assigned to breathing meditation, yoga, or an active control group, with sessions on six consecutive days. Both meditation and yoga improved long-term memory compared to the control group, but only breathing meditation enhanced short-term memory. The study provides evidence that school-aged children can benefit from short-term meditation programs for cognitive functions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The Effect of a Short-Term Mindfulness Program on Memory Performance in School-Aged Children A one-week mindfulness-based intervention designed to improve 8- to 10-year-old children's memory performance was investigated. Seventy-three children were quasi-randomly assigned either to one of two mindfulness-based intervention groups (breathing meditation or yoga), or to an active control group. The sessions were held on six consecutive days. Prior to intervention and after completing the intervention, children's short-term and long-term memory performance were assessed. In confirmation of prior studies, breathing meditation and yoga showed positive effects on memory performance when compared with the control group. Moreover, differences in the effectiveness of breathing meditation and yoga were found: While both interventions had comparable effects on long-term memory, only breathing meditation showed improvements in short-term memory performance. The present study provides valuable evidence on the effectiveness of meditation on cognitive functions in childhood and shows that school-aged children can already benefit from short-term meditation programs.