https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/27274 2026-04-15T04:12:08Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/16380 Title: Mindfulness, buddhist thought, attention and well-being : an empirical study of the effects of mindfulness meditation on attention, cognitive flexibility and self-reported well-being Abstract: Mindfulness meditation is a 2,500 years old contemplative practice of Buddhist origin. In recent years, the potential benefits of mindfulness have received increased attention in both empirical and clinical domains. While this trend continues, debate about how to define and operationalize mindfulness is on-going. Similarly, the precise emotional, cognitive and neurobiological dynamics involved in mindfulness practice remain unclear. The present research includes both philosophical and experimental inquiries into the workings of mindfulness. Since the problem of defining mindfulness in Western terms has been persistent over the last three decades, it may reveal deeper lying incompatibilities of pre scientific Buddhist and modern Western scientific frameworks. These incompatibilities can be overcome by identifying a component of mindfulness that is recognised by both Buddhist and Western psychological frameworks. Cognitive flexibility is identified as compatible with both frameworks and recognised as important for healthy mental functioning from either perspective. Since cognitive flexibility is intimately linked to attentional abilities, the present experimental study was designed to look into the relation of mindfulness, attentional abilities and flexibility of cognition, and well-being. More specifically, changes in cognitive performances related attentional control and flexibility were assessed following a 6 days intensive Vipassana retreat and compared to a control experiment. Self-report scales were used to asses levels of mindfulness and well-being. The study followed a quasi-experimental design. The experimental group (N = 41) consisted of participants that had registered for the intensive retreat and that agreed to be included in the experiment. The control group (N=31) was recruited through the student network of the Department of Cognitive Science at the University of Malta and through a network of employees of the City Hall in Amsterdam. Participants were tested through 5 behavioural tasks (e.g. Stroop, task switching) presented to them on an iPad and two self-report scales (PFI, FFMQ) The Positive Functioning Inventory (PFI) and the Five Facet Mindfulness (FFMQ) self report scales showed significant differences in group performance and a significant increase in the experimental group on both the FFMQ and PFI - scale. The control group showed no significant difference compared to baseline on either scale. The scores on PFI and FFMQ showed significant correlations. The performances on the behavioural tasks were not, or are negatively correlated with scores on the FFMQ scales. Overall significant differences in pre and post testing were found in both groups. While the performance didn‟t significantly differ between groups, main effects within groups were suggested to be due to practice. Consistent with previous studies, the scores on the self-report scales support the claim that mindfulness is associated with well-being. However, the data of the behavioural tasks stand in great contrast to the existing body of literature. Our findings pose more questions that they answer and may direct further research in exploring answers. Refining the understanding of the mechanisms of mindfulness in the cognitive and emotional domain remains an urgent topic in the field. Description: M.A.COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z