Distinguishing the attentional mechanisms of distinct mindfulness states: A computational modeling comparison of focused attention and open monitoring

Objectives: Focused Attention (FA) and Open Monitoring (OM) meditation are theorized to confer distinct neurobehavioral influences, yet the specific cognitive mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. This study leveraged computational modeling to formally test and distinguish how these two distinctive mindfulness states modulate theoretical processes of attention control. Methods: Specifically, we analyzed flanker task data from a prior study in which twenty-nine novice non-meditating participants completed a fully within-subject crossover protocol, involving brief state inductions of FA, OM, and active control. We then fit a Shrinking Spotlight (SSP) computational model to quantify parameters of attentional scope, decision thresholds, and non-decision related processing. Results: As hypothesized, FA decreased the maximum “width” of the attentional spotlight compared to both OM and control conditions, while slowing the rate of narrowing. In contrast, open monitoring accelerated the rate of attention narrowing and increased nondecision time. Conclusions: These results indicate that FA narrows attentional scope, possibly reducing initial distraction but with limitations to rapidly recalibrate attention beyond the initial scope of focus. In contrast, OM appears to improve the speed of selecting relevant targets, while slowing the speed of perceptual-motor encoding and motor execution. Together, these findings provide model-based evidence for the distinct attentional mechanisms of FA and OM and illustrate the utility of computational cognitive modeling for testing key theories within mindfulness science.