Two experiments tested whether mindfulness practice reduces cognitive rigidity using a water jar task where initial problems required a complex formula, but later problems also allowed a simpler solution. Experienced meditators showed significantly less persistence with the complex formula compared to non-meditators in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, non-meditators who completed an eight-session mindfulness program also had lower rigidity scores than a waiting list group. The authors conclude that mindfulness meditation reduces the tendency to be blinded by past experience, promoting more adaptive and flexible problem-solving.
Two experiments tested whether mindfulness practice reduces cognitive rigidity using a water jar task where initial problems required a complex formula, but later problems also allowed a simpler solution. Experienced meditators showed significantly less persistence with the complex formula compared to non-meditators in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, non-meditators who completed an eight-session mindfulness program also had lower rigidity scores than a waiting list group. The authors conclude that mindfulness meditation reduces the tendency to be blinded by past experience, promoting more adaptive and flexible problem-solving.
Medical students who completed an 8-week online mindfulness training program showed modest improvements in mindfulness (9%), self-compassion (5%), and study engagement (4%) immediately after the program, compared to a control group that received only the normal curriculum. The mindfulness improvement was sustained at 6 months (5%), but no other lasting benefits were detected. The control group showed no significant changes. These results suggest that online mindfulness training with minimal contact can provide short-term benefits for medical students, but further program refinements may be needed to maintain improvements over the longer term.