In a study that explored mindfulness training and executive functions, HS juniors who had completed L2B as part of their health curriculum were compared to juniors who took the standard health curriculum, without mindfulness training. Both groups responded to several computerized EF tasks.

The first image represents a test of cognitive interference and attention. Respondents needed to name the color of the printed color word when the print color didn’t match, and they must respond quickly. Students in the mindfulness class showed fewer errors and responded more quickly than students in the Health Ed class.

The second image represents another test that required students to remember words that flashed on a computer screen. The task was made more complicated when photos of people’s faces reflecting different emotions were interspersed with the word they had to remember. Emotions can interfere with memory, so emotion regulation is required to maintain working memory on task. The L2B group showed better resistance to distraction and fewer mistakes compared to the Health ed group.

Finally, the last image depicts a third test that assessed risk-taking. Respondents got points for each computer key stroke that inflated a balloon. However, each key stroke also increased the risk of the balloon exploding and the loss of all the points already gained. This is a measure of balancing potential risk and reward. The L2B group took fewer risky risks, showing more control over risk-taking.