Abstract
In an attempt to replicate and clarify previous research, we examined the associations between the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness
Skills (KIMS) and measures of sustained (Continuous Performance Test; CPT) and executive (Stroop) attention in a community
sample of adults (n = 106). After controlling for age, gender, education, socio-economic status, IQ, and depression and anxiety, analyses indicated
that the KIMS-Observe scale predicted enhanced Stroop performance and reduced variability in attentional processing on the
CPT. Post hoc analyses also provided evidence that the associative strength between KIMS-Observe and reduced CPT reaction
time variability increased as a function of task block, suggestive of a protective effect against attentional lapses due to
prolonged exposure to the CPT. While the present study failed to replicate previously reported associations between KIMS and
attentional functioning, the consistency of current findings to conceptualizations of mindfulness suggests that KIMS-Observe
taps important attentional processes thought to underlie mindfulness.
Skills (KIMS) and measures of sustained (Continuous Performance Test; CPT) and executive (Stroop) attention in a community
sample of adults (n = 106). After controlling for age, gender, education, socio-economic status, IQ, and depression and anxiety, analyses indicated
that the KIMS-Observe scale predicted enhanced Stroop performance and reduced variability in attentional processing on the
CPT. Post hoc analyses also provided evidence that the associative strength between KIMS-Observe and reduced CPT reaction
time variability increased as a function of task block, suggestive of a protective effect against attentional lapses due to
prolonged exposure to the CPT. While the present study failed to replicate previously reported associations between KIMS and
attentional functioning, the consistency of current findings to conceptualizations of mindfulness suggests that KIMS-Observe
taps important attentional processes thought to underlie mindfulness.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s12671-011-0083-0
- Authors
- Brian M. Galla, Mindful Awareness Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, Rm 47-444, Box 951759, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- T. Sigi Hale, Mindful Awareness Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, Rm 47-444, Box 951759, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Anshu Shrestha, Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Sandra K. Loo, Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Susan L. Smalley, Mindful Awareness Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, Rm 47-444, Box 951759, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Journal Mindfulness
- Online ISSN 1868-8535
- Print ISSN 1868-8527