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Component Processes of Executive Function—Mindfulness, Self-control, and Working Memory—and Their Relationships with Mental and Behavioral Health

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Abstract

We examined the interrelationships between higher-order cognitive functions—mindfulness, self-control, and working memory—that appear to be component processes that underlie executive function (EF) and their association with indicators of mental and behavioral health. Data were collected from first-year medical students attending a large private university in California (N = 31) via a computer-based questionnaire which was administered via email hyperlink. Results indicate that self-control schedule (SCS) scores were significantly correlated with the negative dimension of positive and negative affect schedule scores (r = −0.59, p < 0.05), psychological well-being scale scores (r = 0.46, p < 0.05), and mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS) scores (r = 0.35, p ≤ 0.10). The planful behavior dimension of the SCS was correlated with MAAS scores (r = 0.38, p < 0.10), automated operation span task scores (r = 0.51, p < 0.05), and total SCS scores (r = 0.72, p < 0.01). Large and significant inverse correlations were found between current meditation practice and alcohol use (r = −0.56, p < 0.05) and AUDIT scores (r = −0.48, p < 0.05). Findings from this pilot study suggest that an overlap exists between some component processes of EF; however, the majority of variance in the components is not shared. Moreover, these higher-order cognitive processes appear to have protective relationships with substance use and are positively associated with self-reported meditation practice.

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Acknowledgments

This work was partially supported by the National Cancer Institute [T32 CA09492 to D.S.B.] and by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [T32 HS00046-14 to J.G.]. We thank the study participants for dedicating their valuable time to complete our assessments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    David S. Black

  2. Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Randye J. Semple

  3. Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA

    Pallav Pokhrel

  4. School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, San Dimas, CA, USA

    Jerry L. Grenard

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  1. David S. Black
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  2. Randye J. Semple
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  3. Pallav Pokhrel
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  4. Jerry L. Grenard
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Correspondence to David S. Black.

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Black, D.S., Semple, R.J., Pokhrel, P. et al. Component Processes of Executive Function—Mindfulness, Self-control, and Working Memory—and Their Relationships with Mental and Behavioral Health. Mindfulness 2, 179–185 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-011-0057-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-011-0057-2

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