Characterizing the executive functioning associated with dispositional mindfulness

Abstract

Previous research shows that dispositional mindfulness is related to cognitive aspects. The relationship between executive functions and dispositional mindfulness is poorly studied. The aim of this work is to characterize the executive functioning associated with dispositional mindfulness. Dispositional mindfulness was evaluated in 90 undergraduates through the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. In addition, inhibition (Stroop task), cognitive flexibility (rule shift cards), processing speed (digit symbol substitution test), planning (zoo map test) and abstract reasoning (similarities test) were used to evaluate executive function. A multiple hierarchical regression analysis was carried out to predict dispositional mindfulness based on performance in the executive function tests and the individual’s age and sex. Age and sex accounted for 0.7% of dispositional mindfulness. Inhibition and cognitive flexibility accounted for 10.8% and 6%, respectively, of dispositional mindfulness, while processing speed and abstract reasoning explained 3.5% and 0.8%, respectively. Lastly, planning accounted for 0% of dispositional mindfulness. Individual differences in self-reported dispositional mindfulness may be caused by differences in executive performance. The good management of cognitive flexibility, the ability to inhibit and the ability to process stimuli more quickly play a crucial role in attending to current experience.