Abstract
Digital multitasking is an omnipresent behavior seemingly necessary for one to manage work and social life. Yet, existing research suggests that digital multitasking leads to detrimental consequences for well-being, including increased levels of stress, fatigue, and frustration, and related behavioral deficits. Cognitive overload is generally proposed as the explanatory mechanism for these effects, but insufficient research has examined moderators therein. The current study examines the efficacy of a mindfulness intervention during digital-multitasking, as well as testing the impact of two multitasking strategies - concurrent vs. sequential task completion - on task-related stress and working memory. Results generally demonstrate that attentiveness is key for reducing stress associated with task completion. Emotional awareness, however, might increase stress when individuals are not provided with tools to manage their heightened sensations during their multitasking period. Interestingly, findings also suggest that there is a relationship between emotional awareness and cognitive resource depletion. To generate recommendations on strategies for optimizing multitask performance, an important avenue would be to clarify the effects of multitasking strategies on stress as well as how mindfulness and working memory work together to impact task performance.
Main Content
This item is under embargo until October 27, 2025.
