The Relationship Between Sustained Attention and Mindfulness Among US Active Duty Service Members and Veterans

Sustained attention is critical for military service members in operational environments. This study explored the relationship between sustained attention and mindfulness among military personnel and veterans (n = 247). Volunteers completed a sustained attention task (Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test), and two mindfulness surveys (Mindful Awareness and Attention Scale [MAAS] and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire [FFMQ]). Results revealed positive correlations between the MAAS and Full Scale Response Control Quotient (FSRCQ) and Full Scale Attention Quotient (FSAQ) scores. For the FFMQ, Acting with Awareness was positively correlated with the FSRCQ and FSAQ; Describing was correlated with FSRCQ; and Non-judging was correlated with FSAQ. Thus, increases in mindfulness were associated with increases in sustained visual and auditory attention, and certain facets of mindfulness were more closely aligned with sustained performance than others. These results suggest mindfulness training may assist with improving sustained attention, and that research in this area is warranted.