Research: BURGER and LOCKHART

Listed in Issue 250

Abstract

BURGER and LOCKHART Hawaii Pacific University, and Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA conducted a randomized-control trial with nursing students to explore meditation as an educational strategy for enhancing nursing students' attentional efficiency.

Background

Strengthening attention-regulation efficiency of nurse graduates is important to the quality and safety of nursing practice in increasingly complex and cognitively distracting workplaces. Neuroscientific evidence suggests that regular practice of focused meditation can enhance attentional skills. This study explored meditation as an educational strategy for enhancing nursing students' attentional efficiency.

Methodology

A randomized-control trial with 52 pre-licensure nursing students examined differences between those who meditated and those who did not on measurements of alerting, orienting, and executive attention. Stress and mindfulness were also explored.

Results

Meditation demonstrated moderate strength for enhancing executive attention, F = 4.26 (1, 49), n2 = .080, p = .044. Additional outcomes specific to the meditation group were reduced stress and increased mindfulness, F = 7.16 (2, 47), n2 = .234, p = .002.

Conclusion

Results support the consideration of meditation training as a strategy for enhancing nursing students' attentional efficiency and other self-regulatory skills necessary for safe nursing practice. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(7):430-434.].

References

Burger KG, Lockhart JS. Meditation's Effect on Attentional Efficiency, Stress, and Mindfulness Characteristics of Nursing Students. J Nurs Educ. 56(7):430-434. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20170619-08. Jul 1 2017.

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