Mindfulness, cognitive load, and performance: examining the interplay of stress and self-regulation in physical education.
Songhu Kong, Lingling Qiu, Yangyang Su, Yibo Zhang, Kaiye Sun
BMC Psychology May 19, 2025 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-025-02794-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey with structural equation modeling Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 498 |
| Population | University students in physical education |
| Intervention | mindfulness practices |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cognitive load stress Goal setting theory Mindfulness practices Physical performance Mindfulness & performance Self-regulation in sport Cognitive stress reduction |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness practices significantly reduce cognitive load stress and directly enhance physical performance, with self-regulation strengthening these pathways. |
Abstract
This study investigates the role of mindfulness practices and self-regulation in reducing cognitive load stress and enhancing physical performance among university students in physical education. Using a comprehensive structural model, the research explains the mediating effect of cognitive load stress and the moderating role of self-regulation in these relationships. Data collected from 498 students were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling, ensuring robust measurement and predictive validity. The findings reveal that mindfulness practices significantly reduce cognitive load stress and directly enhance physical performance. Besides, cognitive load stress acts as a mechanism through which mindfulness improves performance, indicating an indirect effect. Moreover, self-regulation strengthens both the direct and indirect pathways, highlighting its role in shaping these relationships. The study contributes to goal-setting theory and stress and coping theory by clarifying the mechanisms linking mental strategies to physical outcomes. Practical implications suggest integrating mindfulness and self-regulation strategies into physical education programs to foster improved performance and well-being. These insights highlight the value of holistic approaches in educational settings.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Experienced meditators and nonmeditating comparison groups | 2008 | Cross-sectional study | |
| Neural Correlates of Dispositional Mindfulness During Affect Labeling Adult participants | 2007 | Observational cross-sectional | n = 27 |
| Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). School-aged children and adolescents | 2011 | Cross-sectional validation study | n = 1,413 |
| Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators Experienced meditators and demographically matched nonmeditators | 2012 | Cross-sectional study | n = 152 |
| Mechanisms of Action in the Inverse Relationship Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress Undergraduates | 2008 | Cross-sectional, correlational |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- The Mindfulness Map: A Practical Classification Framework of Mindfulness Practices, Associated Intentions, and Experiential Understandings. Frontiers in Psychology October 12, 2021
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for psychological health and well-being in nonclinical samples: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Stress Management November 1, 2020
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Depression, Cognition, and Immunity in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Feasibility Study Clinical Interventions in Aging August 1, 2020
- Mindfulness Training for Improving Attention Regulation in University Students: Is It Effective? and Do Yoga and Homework Matter? Frontiers in Psychology April 29, 2020
and 1 more in the library