An integrative framework for the mechanisms underlying mindfulness-induced cognitive change

Abstract

Mindfulness meditation has drawn increasing attention in psychological research over the past two decades, including growing interest in its potential cognitive benefits. Meta-analytic evidence suggests that mindfulness training might improve cognitive performance, but the mechanisms underlying these benefits have not been fully characterized. In this Perspective, we integrate empirical and theoretical advances in mindfulness research with established knowledge about the mechanisms and limitations of cognitive training. We introduce the capacity–efficiency mindfulness (CEM) framework, which posits that mindfulness training modulates cognitive function by minimizing cognitive–affective interference during task performance, rather than by increasing overall cognitive resources. This framework emphasizes the critical role of mind-wandering and negative affect in disrupting efficient cognitive control and outlines key mechanisms by which mindfulness training might mitigate these factors. We review initial evidence in support of the framework, discuss its predictions and suggest research directions to test them. Mindfulness meditation improves performance in some cognitive domains, but the mechanisms that underlie this change are unclear. In this Perspective, Cásedas and colleagues synthesize mindfulness meditation and cognitive training frameworks and suggest that mindfulness training improves cognitive efficiency by reducing mind-wandering and negative affect.