Mindfulness Training in Military Settings: Emerging Evidence and Best-Practice Guidance.

Summary

Remarkably, enhancing mental focus is proving vital for military effectiveness. Research explores how mindfulness training strengthens service members' attention, crucial for high-stakes performance. Findings indicate this training improves not only attentional control but also overall cognitive function, well-being, and social relationships. While successful implementation requires addressing practical factors like consistent daily practice and trainers' military familiarity, best practices are emerging to integrate mindfulness training effectively, leading to significant positive outcomes for military personnel.

Abstract

Evidence suggests that mindfulness training (MT) may protect and strengthen military service members' attentional control functions, improving their performance and holistic fitness as they face the modern-day battlefield. Yet, implementation challenges must be addressed to realize MT's benefits consistently and at scale. Despite heterogeneity in MT program content, evaluation metrics, and participants' military career stages across studies, recent findings suggest that MT may bolster performance, cognitive functions, psychological well-being, and social relationships. Additionally, implementation factors such as daily practice, trainers' familiarity with the military, and course content influence the extent of benefits. Attentional control is critical for effective performance, yet vulnerable to compromise in high-demand cohorts, such as military service members. MT not only targets and strengthens military service members' attentional control but also enhances other aspects of their functioning. Despite recognized hurdles, best practice guidance is emerging and continued research and efforts to implement MT in military settings are warranted.

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