For whom does a brief mindfulness induction work? An exploration of the moderating role of individual differences in the effect of mindfulness induction on executive functioning and mind-wandering

Abstract

Abstract Brief mindfulness inductions are expected to enhance executive functioning and reduce mind-wandering, but empirical findings are mixed. The present study examined the effects of a 10-min mindfulness induction on executive functions and mind-wandering, and explored whether these effects were moderated by individual differences. Hypothesized moderators included trait mindfulness, prior meditation experience, and Big-Five personality traits; exploratory moderators included trait anxiety, trait mind-wandering, mindfulness mindset, and baseline mood state. Participants were randomly assigned to a 10-min brief mindfulness or audiobook-listening control condition. Executive functions were assessed using cognitive tasks, and mind-wandering was measured with a probe-caught reading task. The mindfulness induction successfully induced state mindfulness but did not improve executive functioning or reduce mind-wandering overall. After correction for multiple comparisons, none of the hypothesized moderators were significant. The exploratory analysis showed that baseline negative mood state moderated the effect of mindfulness on inhibitory control. These findings suggest that the immediate cognitive effect after a brief mindfulness induction is very limited. Interestingly, high initial negative mood state might turn the effect of a short mindfulness exercise negative on inhibitory control.