Table 1 Summary of predictions of mind wandering (MW) and the previous research they were based on

1. Executive functioning (specifically updating) predicts lower MW as concentration increases

Kane et al. (2007)

WMC predicts lower MW as concentration increases, t(122) =  − 3.98***

Complex span tasks (z)

TUT

Kane et al. (2017)^a

WMC predicts lower MW as concentration increases, N = 274, z =  − 3.39***

Attentional restraint predicts lower MW as concentration increases, z = − 3.77***

Attentional constraint predicts lower MW as concentration increases, z =  − 2.59*^b

Factor scores based on complex span and updating (working memory), restraint, and constraint tasks

TUT

2. Executive functioning (specifically updating) predicts lower MW as guilty-dysphoric style increases

Marcusson-Clavertz et al. (2016)

WMC predicts lower MW as guilty-dysphoric style increases, t(87) =  − 2.90**

Symmetry span

SITUT

3. Executive functioning (specifically inhibiting/common executive functioning) predicts lower MW as positive-constructive style decreases

Marcusson-Clavertz et al. (2016)

High-congruency Stroop effect predicts higher MW as positive-constructive decreases, t(87) =  − 1.99*

Stroop

SITUT