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    The effects of adaptive working memory training and mindfulness meditation training on processing efficiency and worry in high worriers

    Course-Choi, J. and Saville, H. and Derakhshan, Nazanin (2017) The effects of adaptive working memory training and mindfulness meditation training on processing efficiency and worry in high worriers. Behaviour Research and Therapy 89 , pp. 1-13. ISSN 0005-7967.

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    Abstract

    Worry is the principle characteristic of generalised anxiety disorder, and has been linked to deficient attentional control, a main function of working memory (WM). Adaptive WM training and mindfulness meditation practice (MMP) have both shown potential to increase attentional control. The present study hence investigates the individual and combined effects of MMP and a dual adaptive n-back task on a non-clinical, randomised sample of high worriers. 60 participants were tested before and after seven days of training. Assessment included self-report questionnaires, as well as performance tasks measuring attentional control and working memory capacity. Combined training resulted in continued reduction in worry in the week after training, highlighting the potential of utilising n-back training as an adjunct to established clinical treatment. Engagement with WM training correlated with immediate improvements in attentional control and resilience, with worry decreasing over time. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Article
    Keyword(s) / Subject(s): Attentional control, Worry, Working memory training
    School: Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Psychological Sciences
    Depositing User: Administrator
    Date Deposited: 08 Mar 2017 16:51
    Last Modified: 02 Aug 2023 17:30
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/17735

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