Évaluation cognitive de la disposition Mindfulness : approche expérimentale classique et perspectives d’une approche intégrative

Abstract

AimThe purpose of our study was to evaluate the cognitive profile associated with the Mindfulness disposition. MethodWe included 48 subjects and evaluated their psychological functioning (Mindfulness disposition, resilience and personality), their ability to use mental imagery, their performances in cognitive tasks (memory, attention, instrumental and executive functions) and their quality of life. Response time or/and Accuracy were the variables assessed for each cognitive task. ResultsWe separated our population into two groups on the basis of the Mindfulness score: (1) mindful subjects (score≥37, n=32) and (2) non-mindful subjects (score<37, n=16). The mindful subjects exhibit greater resilience and better quality of life compared to the subjects who were not mindful (P<0.01). The Mindfulness disposition was significantly correlated with dimension C (Consciousness, Control and Constraint) in the BigFive, with the ability to use mental imagery and with a stronger performance in many cognitive tasks (attention and executive functions), which did not however reach significance. DiscussionThese results do not enable us to characterize a specific cognitive profile for the mindful subject. Nevertheless, the more mindful is a subject, the greater his or her ability to use mental imagery. In addition, several other results seem relevant to the understanding of the cognitive profile of the mindful subject. We observed an increase in information processing time, which could be advantageous for the other cognitive processes (planning, problem-solving), resulting in a decrease of the overall response time and an improvement in cognitive performance. Finally, we discuss the limitations of the classic cognitive tests and the interest of developing a more ecological and dynamic approach. ConclusionsDuring a cognitive task, the mindful subjects seem to give priority to accuracy rather than speed. The exploration of the mindful subject's cognitive profile could be based on three fundamental organising principles: simplexity, vicariance and cognitive empathy. This could provide a possible focus of interest in order to gain better understanding of the physical and mental advantages underpinned by Mindfulness.