October 23, 2007 | Yi-Yuan Tang, Yinghua Ma, Junhong Wang, Yaxin Fan, Shigang Feng, Qilin Lu, Qingbao Yu, Danni Sui, Mary K. Rothbart, Ming Fan, and Michael I. Posner
A study shows that short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation. Researchers randomly assigned 40 Chinese undergraduates to either an experimental group receiving 5 days of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) or a control group receiving relaxation training. The experimental group showed significant improvements in attention, reduced stress, and better emotional regulation compared to the control group. IBMT combines elements of traditional Chinese medicine with mindfulness and meditation techniques, focusing on body relaxation, breathing, mental imagery, and mindfulness. The training was conducted in a group setting with a coach guiding participants and using a compact disc for instructions. The study used objective tests to measure attention, mood, and stress responses. Results showed that the experimental group had better performance on attention tests, lower anxiety, and reduced cortisol levels after stress. These findings suggest that IBMT is an effective and convenient method for studying the effects of meditation training. The study highlights the potential of IBMT for improving cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and stress management. The results indicate that even short-term meditation training can have significant benefits for attention and self-regulation. The study also emphasizes the importance of a qualified coach in ensuring the effectiveness of the training. The findings suggest that IBMT could be a valuable tool for improving mental health and well-being.A study shows that short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation. Researchers randomly assigned 40 Chinese undergraduates to either an experimental group receiving 5 days of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) or a control group receiving relaxation training. The experimental group showed significant improvements in attention, reduced stress, and better emotional regulation compared to the control group. IBMT combines elements of traditional Chinese medicine with mindfulness and meditation techniques, focusing on body relaxation, breathing, mental imagery, and mindfulness. The training was conducted in a group setting with a coach guiding participants and using a compact disc for instructions. The study used objective tests to measure attention, mood, and stress responses. Results showed that the experimental group had better performance on attention tests, lower anxiety, and reduced cortisol levels after stress. These findings suggest that IBMT is an effective and convenient method for studying the effects of meditation training. The study highlights the potential of IBMT for improving cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and stress management. The results indicate that even short-term meditation training can have significant benefits for attention and self-regulation. The study also emphasizes the importance of a qualified coach in ensuring the effectiveness of the training. The findings suggest that IBMT could be a valuable tool for improving mental health and well-being.