Mindfulness-based interventions show increasing promise for improving attention and emotion regulation, processes that critically support healthy aging. Given their complex, multi-faceted nature, identifying specific aspects of attention and emotion regulation that are modifiable with training in older adults, particularly compared with active control groups, is an ongoing challenge. We performed pre-registered, secondary analyses of a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing effects of a four-week mindfulness-based attention training (MBAT) and a lifestyle education active control group (LifeEd) on attention and emotion dysregulation in older adults. Primary analyses found non-significant training effects on a global measure of attention, signal detection sensitivity. However, MBAT resulted in less mind-wandering post-training. Differential training effects were assessed for: 1) in-the-moment effects of mind-wandering on sustained attention, measured by performance decrements preceding self-reported mind-wandering; and 2) self-reported emotion dysregulation. Working memory performance at baseline was tested as a moderator of training effects. No significant between-group differences for change in in-the-moment effects of mind-wandering on attention or emotion dysregulation emerged. However, baseline working memory moderated effects of mindfulness training on emotion dysregulation. Thus, brief mindfulness training, relative to an active control group, did not mitigate in-the-moment effects of mind-wandering on attention or reduce emotion dysregulation in older adults. However, baseline working memory performance moderated training effects, such that older adults with higher working memory showed greater reductions in emotion dysregulation following mindfulness training. This has potential implications for identifying aging cohorts that may benefit most from this type of training.
Mind-wandering and falls risk in older adults.
