The Effect of Mindfulness Training on Proactive and Reactive Cognitive Control
Yunyun Li, Fang Liu, Qin Zhang, Xinghua Liu, Ping Wei
Frontiers in Psychology June 20, 2018 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Adults participating in an 8-week mindfulness training study |
| Intervention | Mindfulness training |
| Duration | 8-week training, with pre- and post-test assessments |
| Measures | AX version of the Continuous Performance Test (AX-CPT), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Behavior Shift Index (BSI) of reaction time |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 49 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness training showed a potential improvement in proactive cognitive control: the training group had fewer post-test BX-trial errors and a higher Behavior Shift Index of reaction time than controls, and this index correlated positively with FFMQ observing scores. No group-by-time interaction emerged for AY or BX trial types, and AY-trial errors decreased in both groups, suggesting reactive control did not differ between groups. |
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that mindfulness practice can improve general cognitive control. However, little research has examined whether mindfulness practices affect different cognitive control strategies. According to the dual mechanisms of control (DMC) model, different cognitive control strategies may play distinct roles in individuals' lives. Proactive control allows people to maintain and prepare for goals, whereas reactive control allows them to respond flexibly to a changing environment. Thus, this study investigates the influences of mindfulness training on proactive and reactive control measured by the AX version of the Continuous Performance Test (AX-CPT). Thirty participants completed AX-CPT and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) before and after random assignment to either an 8-week mindfulness training group or a control group. The results showed no interaction between group and test time for AY or BX trial type, but the training group had fewer post-test errors on the BX trial and a higher Behavior Shift Index (BSI) of reaction time (RT) compared with the control group. This finding indicates enhanced trend of proactive control with mindfulness training. A positive correlation between the BSI of RT and observing scores on the FFMQ confirmed the connection between attentional components in mindfulness and proactive control. Errors on the AY trial in the post-test decreased in both groups, reflecting reactive control that did not differ between groups. The 8-week mindfulness training demonstrates a potential improvement effect on proactive control and could be helpful in overcoming interference.
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
Cited by 13
- The Effect of Mindfulness-based Programs on Cognitive Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Neuropsychology Review August 4, 2021
- Mindfulness Is Associated With Lower Stress and Higher Work Engagement in a Large Sample of MOOC Participants. Frontiers in Psychology 2021
- Reconceptualizing the relationship between anxiety, mindfulness, and cognitive control. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews June 1, 2025
- Differential effects of mindfulness and grit on positive mental health outcomes in major depressive and bipolar disorders: A moderation analysis using an ecological momentary assessment approach. Journal of Affective Disorders July 23, 2025
- Measuring mindfulness in children: breath counting is unrelated to self-reported mindfulness but improves after mindfulness practice in 9–13 year-olds Frontiers in Psychology September 30, 2025
and 8 more in the library
Cites 25
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse Psychotherapy Research March 1, 2003
- Intensive meditation training improves perceptual discrimination and sustained attention. Psychological Science June 1, 2010
and 20 more in the library