Date of Award
Winter 12-20-2017
Degree Name
Master of Arts (AM/MA)
Degree Type
Thesis
Abstract
Previous investigations have revealed a range of cognitive, physiological, and psychological benefits following mindfulness training in young, middle-aged, and older adults. The aim of this thesis was to provide new insights into three issues that have not been adequately addressed in the extant literature. First, the application and integration of mindfulness training within conventional educational contexts is limited. In study 1, I provide evidence of the utility and effectiveness of mindfulness training incorporated as a part of traditional college curriculum. Second, although mindfulness training has been shown to offset age-related cognitive declines, studies have yet to combine mindfulness training with other forms training to together capitalize training-induced benefits against prominent cognitive declines for older adults. In Study 2, mindfulness training was combined with physical exercise, which is another promising training that enhances cognitive functions, to together promote cognitive benefits in in older adults. Third, individual differences in dispositional qualities of mindfulness have been linked with variability in cognitive performance, yet the underlying neural basis through which trait mindfulness relates to cognition remains elusive. In Study 3, a novel index based on network neuroscience methods is utilized to shed lights on putative neural correlates that might give rise to the relationship between trait mindfulness and cognitive functions.
Language
English (en)
Chair and Committee
Todd Braver
Committee Members
Deanna Barch, Ryan Bogdan
Recommended Citation
Tang, Rongxiang, "Exploring Mindfulness Training Effects on Cognition and Psychological Wellbeing in Young and Older Adults" (2017). Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1171.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/art_sci_etds/1171
Comments
Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7RF5TF6