Integrating Technology and Gameful Learning in Mindfulness Practices to Boost Cognitive Functioning and Self‐Efficacy
A. Fazila Begam, R. Portia, J. Ramesh Amalanathan, A. Elavarasi, I. Arulmozhi
Applied Cognitive Psychology July 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/acp.70243 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | Participants randomly assigned to experimental and control groups; no further demographic details stated |
| Interventions | Structured intervention involving cognitive exercises Fitbit Charge 5 |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, with follow-up (duration not specified) |
| Measures | Standardized tests for divergent thinking and reasoning, General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), heart rate variability (HRV) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The experimental group showed improvements in divergent thinking (35.2 to 41.5), reasoning (22.1 to 25.8), self-efficacy (30.1 to 35.5), and heart rate variability (44.2 to 58.0 ms), with gains sustained at follow-up. The authors suggest the structured intervention may support cognitive and psychological development, while calling for larger samples and longer follow-ups. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cognitive, psychological, and physiological functioning significantly influence overall well‐being and performance. Many interventions aim to enhance these domains, yet evidence of their combined impact remains limited. Declines in creative thinking, reasoning, self‐efficacy, and stress regulation present challenges in both educational and professional contexts. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured intervention in improving divergent thinking, reasoning abilities, self‐efficacy, and physiological regulation, providing insights into strategies that foster holistic cognitive and psychological development while addressing gaps in sustained outcome research. Participants were randomly assigned to Experimental and Control groups, ensuring comparability at baseline. The Experimental group engaged in a structured intervention involving cognitive exercises, problem‐solving tasks, and self‐efficacy enhancement activities over several weeks, while the Control group received no specific intervention. Assessments included standardized tests for divergent thinking and reasoning, the General Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES), and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements. Data on engagement, including session frequency, duration, and task completion, were collected. The study employed a randomized controlled design with experimental ( n = 30) and control ( n = 30) groups over an 8‐week intervention. Participants completed cognitive tests (divergent thinking and reasoning), the GSES for self‐efficacy, and HRV assessments using wearable devices. The experimental group used a mobile app, Fitbit Charge 5, and the Elite HRV platform with gamified mindfulness, while the control group followed traditional mindfulness. Findings displayed important developments in the experimental group in divergent thinking (35.2 to 41.5), reasoning (22.1 to 25.8), self‐efficacy (30.1 to 35.5), and HRV (44.2 to 58.0 ms), with sustained gains at follow‐up. Future research should contain larger samples, longer follow‐ups, and exploration of engagement‐driven mechanisms.
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 |