Can attention and working memory be strengthened via training?

Attention and working memory are critical for performance success but prone to degradation by several factors. We have been pursuing training modalities to strengthen and protect these functions. Our research suggests that contemplative training programs involving mindfulness and other practices strengthen attention and working memory moreso than other active comparison programs such as relaxation training (Rooks et al., 2017; Denkova et al., 2020) and positivity training (Jha et al., 2020). Our findings provide guidance on best practices regarding critical program content (Jha et al., 2020), minimum program duration (Zanesco et al., 2019), and key trainer competencies (Jha et al., 2020, Denkova et al., 2021) to promote salutary effects. In our current projects, we are exploring scalable dissemination approaches to, such as self-guided, technology supported approaches.

Publications

Price M, Zanesco A, Denkova E, Barry J, Rogers SL, & Jha A.P. (2023). Investigating the Protective Effects of Mindfulness-Based Attention Training on Mind Wandering in Applied Settings. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1232598/abstract

Denkova, E., Barry, J., Zanesco, A.P., Rooks, J., Rogers., S. L., & Jha, A.P. (2023). Online mindfulness training for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial using a multi-method assessment approach. Aging & Mental Health.  https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2023.2242301

Denkova, E., Alessio, C., Barry, J., Zanesco, A.P., Rogers, S.L., & Jha, A.P. (2022). Mindfulness training in organizational settings: An empirical look at the research. In L. Wilkin and Y. Pathak, De Gruyter Handbook of Organizational Conflict Management. De Gruyter.

Witkin, J.E., Denkova, E., Zanesco, A. P., Morrison, A. B., Rooks, J., Carpenter, J., Baime, M., & Jha, A. P. (2022). Does intensive mindfulness training strengthen sustained attention? examining individual differences in mind wandering during the sustained attention to response task. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine.https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2202016

Jha, A. P., Zanesco, A. P., Denkova, E., MacNaulty, W., & Rogers., S. L. (2021). The effects of mindfulness training on working memory performance in high-demand cohorts: a multi-study investigation. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement. 6, 192–204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-02100228-1

Denkova, E., Barry, J., Slavin, L., Zanesco, A. P., Rogers, S.L., & Jha, A.P. (2021). Investigating the impact of peer-trainer delivered mindfulness training on cognitive abilities and psychological health. Mindfulness, 12, 2645–2661. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01713-6

Denkova, E., Zanesco, A. P., Rogers, S. L., & Jha, A. P. (2020). Is resilience trainable? An initial study comparing mindfulness and relaxation training in firefighters. Psychiatry Research, 285, 112794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112794

Denkova, E., Zanesco, A. P., Morrison, A. B., Rooks, J., Rogers, S. L., & Jha, A. P. (2020). Strengthening attention with mindfulness training in workplace settings. In D.J. Siegel and M.S. Solomon, Mind, Consciousness, and Well-Being (pp. 1-22). Norton.

Jha, A. P., Denkova, E., Zanesco, A. B., Witkin, J. E., Rooks, J., & Roger., S. L. (2019). Does mindfulness training help working memory “work” better? Current Opinion in Psychology, 28, 273-278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.02.012

Rooks, J., Morrison, A. B., Goolsarran, M., Rogers, S. L., & Jha, A. P. (2017). “We are talking about practice”: The influence of mindfulness vs. relaxation training on athletes’ attention and well-being over high-demand intervals. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 1, 141-153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465017-0016-5

Morrison, A. B. & Jha, A. P. (2015). Mindfulness, attention, and working memory. In B. D. Ostafin, (Ed.), Handbook of mindfulness and self-regulation (pp. 33-46). Springer. 

 Jha, A. P., Rogers, S. L., & Morrison, A. B. (2014). Mindfulness training in high stress professions: Strengthening attention and resilience. In R. A. Baer (Ed.), Mindfulness-based treatment approaches: A clinician’s guide (2nd ed., pp. 347-366). Elsevier.

Morrison, A. B., Goolsarran, M., Rogers, S. L., & Jha, A. P. (2014). Taming a wandering attention: Short-form mindfulness training in student cohorts. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7(897), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00897

Roeser, R. W., Schonert-Reichl, K. A., Jha, A. P., Cullen, M., Wallace, L., Wilensky, R., Oberle, E., Thomson, K., Taylor, C., & Harrison, J. (2013). Mindfulness training and reductions in teacher stress and burnout: Results from two randomized, waitlist-control field trials. Journal of Education Psychology, 105(3), 787-804. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0032093  

Leonard, N. R., Jha, A. P., Casarjian, B., Goolsaran, M., Garcia, C., Cleland, C. M., Gwadz, M. V., & Massey, Z. (2013). Mindfulness training improves attentional task performance in incarcerated youth: A group randomized controlled intervention trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 4(792), 2-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00792  

Davidson, R., Dunne, J., Eccles, J. S., Engle, A., Greenberg, M., Jennings, P., Jha, A. P., Jinpa, T., Lantieri, L., Meyer, D., Roeser, R. W., & Vago, D. (2012). Contemplative practices and mental training: Prospects for American education. Child Development Perspectives, 6(2), 146-153, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750–8606.2012.00240.x  

Van Vugt, M., & Jha, A. P. (2011). Investigating the impact of mindfulness meditation training on working memory: A mathematical modeling approach. Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience, 11, 344-353. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13415–011–0048–8  

Baijal, S., Jha, A. P., Kiyonaga, A., Singh, R., & Srinivasan, N. (2011). The influence of concentrative meditation training on the development of attention networks during early adolescence. Frontiers in Developmental Psychology, 2(153), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00153  

Jha, A. P., Baime, M. J., & Sreenivasan, K. (2009). Attention and mindfulness training. In R. Ingram (Ed.), The international encyclopedia of depression (pp. 37-40). Springer. 

Jha, A. P., Krompinger, J., & Baime, M. J. (2007). Mindfulness training modifies subsystems of attention. Cognitive Affective and Behavioral Neuroscience, 7, 109-119. https://doi.org/10.3758/cabn.7.2.109