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
Ke Shi, Clara Calia, Zsófia K. Takács
BMC Psychology September 3, 2026 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-026-05331-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Mindfulness induction |
| Dose | 10-min |
| Duration | 10-min induction |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The mindfulness induction increased state mindfulness but did not improve executive functioning or reduce mind-wandering overall. None of the hypothesized moderators were significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Exploratory analysis suggested that high baseline negative mood might turn the effect of mindfulness on inhibitory control negative. |
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.
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 |
Citations in the library
Cites 35
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Assessment of Mindfulness by Self-Report Assessment September 1, 2004
- Mindfulness Training Improves Working Memory Capacity and GRE Performance While Reducing Mind Wandering Psychological Science March 28, 2013
and 30 more in the library