The Impact of Blended Mindfulness Intervention (BMI) on University Students’ Sustained Attention, Working Memory, Academic Achievement, and Electroencephalogram (EEG) Asymmetry

• Published in: Mindfulness 2024-03, Vol.15 (3), p.675-688
• Main Authors: Bajestani, Ghasem Sadeghi, Ghanizadeh, Afsaneh, Makhloughi, Fatemeh, Hosseinpour Kharrazi, Fatemeh, Hosseini, Akram, Toosi, Mehran Beiraghi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic achievement; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive ability; Cognitive Psychology; Consciousness; Digital technology; Efficiency; Electroencephalography; Emotions; Executive function; Health care; Intervention; Meditation; Memory; Mental health; Metacognition; Mindfulness; Original Paper; Pandemics; Pediatrics; Psychology; Public Health; Smartphones; Social Sciences; Statistical analysis; Stress; University students
• ISSN: 1868-8527; 1868-8535
• DOI: 10.1007/s12671-024-02317-6

Objectives The current study devised a mindfulness intervention program, integrating face-to-face and group training with individualized technology-accessible practices. It aimed at investigating the role of Blended Mindfulness Intervention (BMI), which combines mainstream mindfulness practices with digital tools, in university students’ sustained attention, working memory, academic achievement, and electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry. Method Sixty junior university students, selected from a pool of 72 candidates, were randomly assigned into two groups. Mindfulness training (MT) was incorporated into class activities of experimental group in a course of eight sessions. The participants of experimental group were also assigned to do some weekly follow-up activities offered via a smartphone-based mindfulness meditation application (Smiling Mind). The homogeneity of the two groups was ascertained prior the study on mindfulness, working memory (determined via Automated Operation Span [AOSPAN] task), and sustained attention. The tripartite mindfulness instruction encompassed these activities: (1) in-class general MT practices, (2) in-class educational-inspired practices, and (3) at-home practices via Smiling Mind. Results The results of statistical analysis via independent samples t -tests verified the efficiency of BMI in enhancing university students’ sustained attention, working memory, and academic achievement. The analysis of EEG measurements via a 19-channel device demonstrated reduction in the theta/beta ratio (TBR) values in all brain regions, including frontal, parietal, occipital, and central in posttest. The ratio is a measure often used in EEG studies to assess brain activity. Conclusions This study substantiated that promoting state mindfulness in MT programs develops trait mindfulness, which brings about a host of cognitive, emotional, social, and metacognitive benefits. It also demonstrated that supplementing face-to-face and group interventions with individualized and easily accessible and affordable ones seem to cater for all styles and preferences and ultimately augment the efficiency of these programs. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.