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Farraj N, Reiner M. Applications of Alpha Neurofeedback Processes for Enhanced Mental Manipulation of Unfamiliar Molecular and Spatial Structures. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2024; 49:365-382. [PMID: 38722457 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09640-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
This study explores a novel approach to enhancing cognitive proficiency by targeting neural mechanisms that facilitate science and math learning, especially mental rotation. The study specifically examines the relationship between upper alpha intensity and mental rotation skills. Although prior neurofeedback research for increasing upper alpha highlights this correlation, mostly with familiar objects, novel chemistry and math learning prompts envisioning unfamiliar objects which question the persistence of this correlation. This study revisits the upper alpha and mental rotation relationship in the context of unfamiliar objects with a single neurofeedback session and examines the efficiency of manual and automatic neurofeedback protocols. Results will provide a basis for integrating neurofeedback protocols into learning applications for enhanced learning. Our study encompassed three cohorts: Group 1 experienced an automatic neurofeedback protocol, Group 2 received a manual neurofeedback protocol, and the control group had no neurofeedback intervention. The experimental phases involved EEG measurement of individual upper alpha (frequency of maximal power + 2 Hz) intensity, mental rotation tasks featuring geometric and unfamiliar molecular stimuli, one neurofeedback session for applicable groups, post-treatment upper alpha level assessments, and a mental rotation retest. The neurofeedback groups exhibited increased levels of upper alpha power, which was correlated with improved response time in mental rotation, regardless of stimulus type, compared to the control group. Both neurofeedback protocols achieved comparable results. This study advocates integrating neurofeedback into learning software for optimal learning experiences, highlighting a single session's efficacy and the substantial neurofeedback protocol's impact in enhancing upper alpha oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehai Farraj
- Faculty of Education in Science and Technology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Miriam Reiner
- Faculty of Education in Science and Technology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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2
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Usman M, Jung T, Hsin D, Lin C. The effect of Zentangle on cognitive focus, emotional well-being, and stress levels: A neural perspective. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3628. [PMID: 39169432 PMCID: PMC11338741 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to assess how a Zentangle intervention influences cognitive focus, emotional well-being, stress levels, and neural activity patterns across brain regions and frequency bands. METHOD A cohort of 30 healthy adults, all without prior Zentangle experience, participated in this study. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure their brain activity, and self-reported data were collected through questionnaires to assess subjects' concentration levels, emotional calm, and stress and anxiety. FINDINGS Participants reported enhanced cognitive focus and emotional well-being, evidenced by increased self-reported concentration and emotional calmness, and reduced stress and anxiety levels during the intervention. EEG analyses revealed notable changes in neural activity patterns, including decreased delta power and increased theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands. Functional connectivity analysis also highlighted alterations in the brain's functional connectivity, suggesting potential effects on neural communication and information processing. CONCLUSION This study provides compelling evidence of Zentangle's impact on EEG data, aligning it with equanimity and tranquility consistent with previous mindfulness research. These findings underscore Zentangle as an effective mindfulness practice, potentially enhancing cognitive focus and emotional well-being, and emerging as a valuable intervention for improving mental health and overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman
- International Ph.D. Program in Innovative Technology of Biomedical Engineering and Medical DevicesMing Chi University of TechnologyNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Tzzy‐Ping Jung
- Institute for Neural Computation and Institute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ding‐Yun Hsin
- Taipei Municipal Yangming High SchoolTaipei CityTaiwan
| | - Chun‐Ling Lin
- Department of Electrical EngineeringMing Chi University of TechnologyNew Taipei CityTaiwan
- Department of Electronic EngineeringNational Taipei University of TechnologyTaipeiTaiwan
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Zhozhikashvili N, Protopova M, Shkurenko T, Arsalidou M, Zakharov I, Kotchoubey B, Malykh S, Pavlov YG. Working memory processes and intrinsic motivation: An EEG study. Int J Psychophysiol 2024; 201:112355. [PMID: 38718899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2024.112355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Processes typically encompassed by working memory (WM) include encoding, retention, and retrieval of information. Previous research has demonstrated that motivation can influence WM performance, although the specific WM processes affected by motivation are not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of motivation on different WM processes, examining how task difficulty modulates these effects. We hypothesized that motivation level and personality traits of the participants (N = 48, 32 females; mean age = 21) would modulate the parietal alpha and frontal theta electroencephalography (EEG) correlates of WM encoding, retention, and retrieval phases of the Sternberg task. This effect was expected to be more pronounced under conditions of very high task difficulty. We found that increasing difficulty led to reduced accuracy and increased response time, but no significant relationship was found between motivation and accuracy. However, EEG data revealed that motivation influenced WM processes, as indicated by changes in alpha and theta oscillations. Specifically, higher levels of the Resilience trait-associated with mental toughness, hardiness, self-efficacy, achievement motivation, and low anxiety-were related to increased alpha desynchronization during encoding and retrieval. Increased scores of Subjective Motivation to perform well in the task were related to enhanced frontal midline theta during retention. Additionally, these effects were significantly stronger under conditions of high difficulty. These findings provide insights into the specific WM processes that are influenced by motivation, and underscore the importance of considering both task difficulty and intrinsic motivation in WM research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Zhozhikashvili
- Faculty of Social Sciences, HSE University, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Maria Protopova
- Center for Language and Brain, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Ilya Zakharov
- Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Boris Kotchoubey
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sergey Malykh
- Developmental Behavioral Genetics Lab, Psychological Institute of Russian Academy of Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri G Pavlov
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Chung YH, Chen SJ, Lee CL, Chang YS. Kokedama and essential oils had a relaxing psychophysiological effect on Taiwanese women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:371-379. [PMID: 37777433 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, we designed an indoor nature activity program for citizens with a relaxing effect similar to forest bathing to promote their physical and mental health. We integrated an indoor horticultural activity (Kokedama) with the breathing of Pseudotsuga menziesii (P. menziesii) and Lavandula angustifolia (L. angustifolia) essential oils (EOs) with the goal of creating a nature-inspired environment in an indoor setting where participants would feel as if immersed in a forest atmosphere. METHODS Taiwanese women participated in the experiment, using two Saturday mornings, one Saturday in a university classroom in the city center; and the other Saturday in a workshop in a Suburban Park. Intra-group comparisons were used to assess the Physiological responses to urban and suburban environmental stimuli and measured self-reported psychological responses. We recorded parameters associated with heart-rate variability and brainwaves. We also administered the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) questionnaire before and after the participants had completed the entire program. RESULTS After the participants had breathed the P. menziesii and L. angustifolia EOs, the levels of some physiological parameters increased (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, normalized high frequency, and high alpha wave) and those of others decreased (normalized low frequency, low- to high-frequency ratio power, high beta wave, and gamma wave). These findings were corroborated by the data from the STAI-S questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS The psychophysiological data from this study provide significant scientific evidence for the health benefits of an indoor nature activity program in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Chung
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Shiu-Jen Chen
- College of Nursing and Health, Kang Ning University, Taipei 11485, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Luug Lee
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sen Chang
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
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Poikonen H, Tobler S, Trninić D, Formaz C, Gashaj V, Kapur M. Math on cortex-enhanced delta phase synchrony in math experts during long and complex math demonstrations. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae025. [PMID: 38365270 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural oscillations are important for working memory and reasoning and they are modulated during cognitively challenging tasks, like mathematics. Previous work has examined local cortical synchrony on theta (4-8 Hz) and alpha (8-13 Hz) bands over frontal and parietal electrodes during short mathematical tasks when sitting. However, it is unknown whether processing of long and complex math stimuli evokes inter-regional functional connectivity. We recorded cortical activity with EEG while math experts and novices watched long (13-68 seconds) and complex (bachelor-level) math demonstrations when sitting and standing. Fronto-parietal connectivity over the left hemisphere was stronger in math experts than novices reflected by enhanced delta (0.5-4 Hz) phase synchrony in experts. Processing of complex math tasks when standing extended the difference to right hemisphere, suggesting that other cognitive processes, such as maintenance of body balance when standing, may interfere with novice's internal concentration required during complex math tasks more than in experts. There were no groups differences in phase synchrony over theta or alpha frequencies. These results suggest that low-frequency oscillations modulate inter-regional connectivity during long and complex mathematical cognition and demonstrate one way in which the brain functions of math experts differ from those of novices: through enhanced fronto-parietal functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Poikonen
- Professorship for Learning Sciences and Higher Education, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
- Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Samuel Tobler
- Professorship for Learning Sciences and Higher Education, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Dragan Trninić
- Professorship for Learning Sciences and Higher Education, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Cléa Formaz
- Professorship for Learning Sciences and Higher Education, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Venera Gashaj
- Professorship for Learning Sciences and Higher Education, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Manu Kapur
- Professorship for Learning Sciences and Higher Education, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
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Yin Y, Li B, Hu X, Guo X, Yang C, Luo L. The Relationship between Dispositional Mindfulness and Relative Accuracy of Judgments of Learning: The Moderating Role of Test Anxiety. J Intell 2023; 11:132. [PMID: 37504775 PMCID: PMC10381430 DOI: 10.3390/jintelligence11070132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has demonstrated that metacognition accuracy is far from perfect. The accuracy of judgments of learning (JOLs) is of critical importance in self-regulated learning. To explore what factors constrain JOL accuracy, the current study focused on mindfulness, which is intimately related to metacognition and anxiety. A total of 203 undergraduates (198 valid samples) were recruited to determine the relationships among five dimensions of dispositional mindfulness, test anxiety, and relative accuracy of JOLs. Results revealed that the interaction term for acting with awareness and test anxiety significantly predicted JOL accuracy. Further analyses indicated that for individuals with high test anxiety, but not for those with low test anxiety, acting with awareness positively predicted JOL accuracy. Considering that dispositional mindfulness is modifiable, these results help to inspire researchers to further explore whether mindfulness training can be used as a remedy to improve JOL accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Baike Li
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaolin Guo
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chunliang Yang
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Liang Luo
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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Jaiswal S, Huang SL, Juan CH, Huang NE, Liang WK. Resting state dynamics in people with varying degrees of anxiety and mindfulness: A nonlinear and nonstationary perspective. Neuroscience 2023; 519:177-197. [PMID: 36966877 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and mindfulness are two inversely linked traits shown to be involved in various physiological domains. The current study used resting state electroencephalography (EEG) to explore differences between people with low mindfulness-high anxiety (LMHA) (n = 29) and high mindfulness-low anxiety (HMLA) (n = 27). The resting EEG was collected for a total of 6 min, with a randomized sequence of eyes closed and eyes opened conditions. Two advanced EEG analysis methods, Holo-Hilbert Spectral Analysis and Holo-Hilbert cross-frequency phase clustering (HHCFPC) were employed to estimate the power-based amplitude modulation of carrier frequencies, and cross-frequency coupling between low and high frequencies, respectively. The presence of higher oscillation power across the delta and theta frequencies in the LMHA group than the HMLA group might have been due to the similarity between the resting state and situations of uncertainty, which reportedly triggers motivational and emotional arousal. Although these two groups were formed based on their trait anxiety and trait mindfulness scores, it was anxiety that was found to be significant predictor of the EEG power, not mindfulness. It led us to conclude that it might be anxiety, not mindfulness, which might have contributed to higher electrophysiological arousal. Additionally, a higher δ-β and δ-γ CFC in LMHA suggested greater local-global neural integration, consequently a greater functional association between cortex and limbic system than in the HMLA group. The present cross-sectional study may guide future longitudinal studies on anxiety aiming with interventions such as mindfulness to characterize the individuals based on their resting state physiology.
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Chung YH, Chen SJ, Lee CL, Wu CW, Chang YS. Relaxing Effects of Breathing Pseudotsuga menziesii and Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oils on Psychophysiological Status in Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15251. [PMID: 36429972 PMCID: PMC9690885 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of breathing Pseudotsuga menziesii (P. menziesii) and Lavandula angustifolia (L. angustifolia) essential oils (EOs) during a horticultural activity on older adults. A total number of 92 older adult (71.2 ± 7.7 years old) participants were guided through a leaf printing procedure. In the meantime, water vapor and EOs were diffused in an orderly manner. The heart rate variability-related parameters as well as the brain waves were recorded. In addition, we also collected data for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) questionnaires before and after the whole indoor natural activity program. The physiological parameters including standard deviation of normal to normal intervals, normalized high frequency (nHF), and high alpha wave increased while the normalized low frequency (nLF), the ratio of LF-to-HF power, high beta wave, and gamma wave decreased following the breathing of P. menziesii and L. angustifolia EOs. These changes indicated a relaxing effect of breathing both EOs during a horticultural activity on older adults. Our results demonstrated a beneficial effect of P. menziesii EO which is as good as a well-known relaxant L. angustifolia EO. This notion was supported by the results of STAI-S. Here we developed an indoor natural activity program for older adults to promote physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Chung
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Shiu-Jen Chen
- College of Nursing and Health, Kang Ning University, Taipei 11485, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Luug Lee
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Wu
- Department of Horticulture, Hungkuo Delin University of Technology, New Taipei 236354, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sen Chang
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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Fazia T, Bubbico F, Nova A, Riggi E, Caimi G, Calgan B, Salvato G, Bruno S, Bottini G, Bernardinelli L. Online Short-Term Mindfulness-Based Intervention During COVID-19 Quarantine in Italy: Effects on Wellbeing, Stress, and Anxiety. Front Psychol 2022; 13:914183. [PMID: 35859847 PMCID: PMC9289612 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.914183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To limit the first spread of COVID-19 in March 2020, the Italian government imposed strict lockdown measures to the population. Despite necessary to reduce the virus transmission and the burden to the hospitals, social isolation has caused detrimental effects on psychological wellbeing and mental health. Moreover, during this period, it was also difficult to deliver psychological treatments and psychiatric assistance. A short (a weekly session for 9 weeks) mindfulness-based meditation program, named Integral Meditation (IM), was administered entirely online to healthy adults from Italy. This is a two-groups pre–post-quasi-experimental study in which the two groups, treated and control, were not randomized. Through matching procedures aimed at overcoming the absence of randomization, we analyzed a sample of 84 subjects (42 for each group). By applying linear mixed effect models, we tested the hypothesis of a beneficial effect of IM on wellbeing, perceived stress, and state anxiety, as measured by three self-reported questionnaires (WEMWBS, PSS, and STAI-X1, respectively), assuming that this effect could be different according to the level of baseline trait anxiety, as measured by STAI-X2. The results showed a statistically significant effect of STAI-X1 (β = −8.24 [95%CI −15.39; −1.09], p = 0.02) and WEMWBS (β = 4.61 [95%CI 0.94; 8.29], p = 0.01) in the higher trait anxiety subgroup only. No statistically significant effect of IM was observed for PSS. These results suggest that our IM, delivered online, may increase mental wellbeing and decrease anxiety specifically in subjects with higher trait anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Fazia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Teresa Fazia
| | - Francesco Bubbico
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Nova
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emilia Riggi
- SSD Epidemiologia e Screening CPO, Universital Hospital “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, Torino, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Caimi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Beril Calgan
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gerardo Salvato
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Centre, ASST “Grande Ospedale Metropolitano” Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Bottini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Centre, ASST “Grande Ospedale Metropolitano” Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Bernardinelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Evertz R, Hicks DG, Liley DTJ. Alpha blocking and 1/fβ spectral scaling in resting EEG can be accounted for by a sum of damped alpha band oscillatory processes. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010012. [PMID: 35427355 PMCID: PMC9045666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamical and physiological basis of alpha band activity and 1/fβ noise in the EEG are the subject of continued speculation. Here we conjecture, on the basis of empirical data analysis, that both of these features may be economically accounted for through a single process if the resting EEG is conceived of being the sum of multiple stochastically perturbed alpha band damped linear oscillators with a distribution of dampings (relaxation rates). The modulation of alpha-band and 1/fβ noise activity by changes in damping is explored in eyes closed (EC) and eyes open (EO) resting state EEG. We aim to estimate the distribution of dampings by solving an inverse problem applied to EEG power spectra. The characteristics of the damping distribution are examined across subjects, sensors and recording condition (EC/EO). We find that there are robust changes in the damping distribution between EC and EO recording conditions across participants. The estimated damping distributions are found to be predominantly bimodal, with the number and position of the modes related to the sharpness of the alpha resonance and the scaling (β) of the power spectrum (1/fβ). The results suggest that there exists an intimate relationship between resting state alpha activity and 1/fβ noise with changes in both governed by changes to the damping of the underlying alpha oscillatory processes. In particular, alpha-blocking is observed to be the result of the most weakly damped distribution mode becoming more heavily damped. The results suggest a novel way of characterizing resting EEG power spectra and provides new insight into the central role that damped alpha-band activity may play in characterising the spatio-temporal features of resting state EEG. The resting human electroencephalogram (EEG) exhibits two dominant spectral features: the alpha rhythm (8–13 Hz) and its associated attenuation between eyes-closed and eyes-open resting state (alpha blocking), and the 1/fβ scaling of the power spectrum. While these phenomena are well studied a thorough understanding of their respective generative processes remains elusive. By employing a theoretical approach that follows from neural population models of EEG we demonstrate that it is possible to economically account for both of these phenomena using a singular mechanistic framework: resting EEG is assumed to arise from the summed activity of multiple uncorrelated, stochastically driven, damped alpha band linear oscillatory processes having a distribution of relaxation rates or dampings. By numerically estimating these damping distributions from eyes-closed and eyes-open EEG data, in a total of 136 participants, it is found that such damping distributions are predominantly bimodal in shape. The most weakly damped mode is found to account for alpha band power, with alpha blocking being driven by an increase in the damping of this weakly damped mode, whereas the second, and more heavily damped mode, is able to explain 1/fβ scaling present in the resting state EEG spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Evertz
- Optical Sciences Centre, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (RE); (DGH); (DTJL)
| | - Damien G. Hicks
- Optical Sciences Centre, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (RE); (DGH); (DTJL)
| | - David T. J. Liley
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (RE); (DGH); (DTJL)
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Peng Y, Sun Y, Wan X. Influence of the crossmodal congruency between color and flavor on product evaluations: Evidence from behavioral and oscillatory brain responses. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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12
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Arakaki X, Hung SM, Rochart R, Fonteh AN, Harrington MG. Alpha desynchronization during Stroop test unmasks cognitively healthy individuals with abnormal CSF Amyloid/Tau. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 112:87-101. [PMID: 35066324 PMCID: PMC8976735 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunctions precede cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease by decades, affect executive functions, and can be detected by quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). We used quantitative electroencephalography combined with Stroop testing to identify changes of inhibitory controls in cognitively healthy individuals with an abnormal versus normal ratio of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid/total-tau. We studied two groups of participants (60-94 years) with either normal (CH-NAT or controls, n = 20) or abnormal (CH-PAT, n = 21) CSF amyloid/tau ratio. We compared: alpha event-related desynchronization (ERD), alpha spectral entropy (SE), and their relationships with estimated cognitive reserve. CH-PATs had more negative occipital alpha ERD, and higher frontal and occipital alpha SE during low load congruent trials, indicating hyperactivity. CH-PATs demonstrated fewer frontal SE changes with higher load, incongruent Stroop testing. Correlations of alpha ERD with estimated cognitive reserve were significant in CH-PATs but not in CH-NATs. These results suggested compensatory hyperactivity in CH-PATs compared to CH-NATs. We did not find differences in alpha ERD comparisons with individual CSF amyloid(A), p-tau(T), total-tau(N) biomarkers.
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Li X, Zhang C, Tan J, Ding L, Wang C, Wang M, Lin Y. Clinical effects of continuous theta burst stimulation for generalized anxiety disorder and a mechanism involving α oscillations: a randomized controlled trial. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2022; 47:E123-E133. [PMID: 35361700 PMCID: PMC8979658 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.210134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is a much more rapid protocol than low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), but no clinical trial has yet investigated the efficacy and mechanisms of cTBS for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical effects and α oscillations induced by cTBS versus 1 Hz rTMS as predictors of response, and to assess the underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of cTBS in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. METHODS We randomly allocated 120 patients with generalized anxiety disorder to receive cTBS (n = 41), 1 Hz rTMS (n = 40) or sham cTBS (n = 39) over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; we also included healthy controls (n = 30) to compare neurophysiological data. We analyzed changes in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores and α oscillations (frequency and power) at baseline, post-treatment and 1-month follow-up. RESULTS After 20 sessions of treatment, patients' anxiety had improved and α power had increased in the cTBS and 1 Hz rTMS groups. However, at 1-month follow-up the cTBS group had significantly more responders and remitters, and higher α oscillations than the 1 Hz rTMS group (post hoc analysis: cTBS > rTMS > sham). At baseline, α frequency was inversely correlated with psychological symptom scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (r = -0.613, p < 0.001); post-treatment, this correlation was present only in the cTBS group (r = -0.685, p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS Electroencephalography data were limited to the α band. CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence for the clinical use of cTBS, a novel brain stimulation protocol. Its therapeutic effects may be the result of increasing α frequency, thereby improving the psychological symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yongzhong Lin
- From the Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China (Li, Tan, Ding, C. Wang, M. Wang, Lin); the Stem Cell Clinical Research Institution, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China (Li); the Clinical Drug Trial Institution, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China (Zhang)
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EEG-Based Identification of Emotional Neural State Evoked by Virtual Environment Interaction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042158. [PMID: 35206341 PMCID: PMC8872045 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Classifying emotional states is critical for brain–computer interfaces and psychology-related domains. In previous studies, researchers have tried to identify emotions using neural data such as electroencephalography (EEG) signals or brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this study, we propose a machine learning framework for emotion state classification using EEG signals in virtual reality (VR) environments. To arouse emotional neural states in brain signals, we provided three VR stimuli scenarios to 15 participants. Fifty-four features were extracted from the collected EEG signals under each scenario. To find the optimal classification in our research design, three machine learning algorithms (XGBoost classifier, support vector classifier, and logistic regression) were applied. Additionally, various class conditions were used in machine learning classifiers to validate the performance of our framework. To evaluate the classification performance, we utilized five evaluation metrics (precision, recall, f1-score, accuracy, and AUROC). Among the three classifiers, the XGBoost classifiers showed the best performance under all experimental conditions. Furthermore, the usability of features, including differential asymmetry and frequency band pass categories, were checked from the feature importance of XGBoost classifiers. We expect that our framework can be applied widely not only to psychological research but also to mental health-related issues.
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15
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Blume M, Schmidt R, Schmidt J, Martin A, Hilbert A. EEG Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Adults with Binge-Eating Disorder: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:352-365. [PMID: 34931276 PMCID: PMC9130382 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01149-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific alterations in electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain activity have recently been linked to binge-eating disorder (BED), generating interest in treatment options targeting these neuronal processes. This randomized-controlled pilot study examined the effectiveness and feasibility of two EEG neurofeedback paradigms in the reduction of binge eating, eating disorder and general psychopathology, executive functioning, and EEG activity. Adults with BED and overweight (N = 39) were randomly assigned to either a food-specific EEG neurofeedback paradigm, aiming at reducing fronto-central beta activity and enhancing theta activity after viewing highly palatable food pictures, or a general EEG neurofeedback paradigm training the regulation of slow cortical potentials. In both conditions, the study design included a waiting period of 6 weeks, followed by 6 weeks EEG neurofeedback (10 sessions à 30 min) and a 3-month follow-up period. Both EEG neurofeedback paradigms significantly reduced objective binge-eating episodes, global eating disorder psychopathology, and food craving. Approximately one third of participants achieved abstinence from objective binge-eating episodes after treatment without any differences between treatments. These results were stable at 3-month follow-up. Among six measured executive functions, only decision making improved at posttreatment in both paradigms, and cognitive flexibility was significantly improved after food-specific neurofeedback only. Both EEG neurofeedback paradigms were equally successful in reducing relative beta and enhancing relative theta power over fronto-central regions. The results highlight EEG neurofeedback as a promising treatment option for individuals with BED. Future studies in larger samples are needed to determine efficacy and treatment mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Blume
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Ricarda Schmidt
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schmidt
- Muenster School of Health, FH Muenster University of Applied Sciences, Muenster, Germany
| | - Alexandra Martin
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, School of Human and Social Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Anja Hilbert
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
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16
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Assi MD, Eshah NF, Rayan A. The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Conflict Resolution Styles Among Nurse Managers: A Cross-Sectional Study. SAGE Open Nurs 2022; 8:23779608221142371. [PMID: 36467312 PMCID: PMC9709178 DOI: 10.1177/23779608221142371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mindfulness might help nurse managers in dealing with conflicts. However, the relationship between mindfulness and conflict resolution styles were still not clearly understood. Objective To identify the relationship between mindfulness and conflict resolution and to predict the conflict resolution styles of nurse managers through mindfulness. Methods A descriptive correlational cross-sectional design was employed. A convenience sample of 197 nurse managers was recruited from five public and two university hospitals. Data about nurse managers' mindfulness and conflict management styles were collected through self-reported scales. The data was collected between January and March 2020. Results Mindfulness was significantly associated with integrating (r = 0.31, p < .001) and obliging (r = 0.14, p = .045) conflict resolution styles. Mindfulness was able to uniquely predict using the integrating conflict resolution style (χ² = 4.65, p = .031). Conclusions Mindfulness is uniquely related to integrating conflict resolution among nurse managers. The findings encourage stakeholders in health care organizations to develop training programs to improve managers' conflict resolution skills and to invest in managers' mindfulness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmad Rayan
- Faculty of Nursing, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan
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17
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Nguyen TV, Balachandran P, Muggleton NG, Liang WK, Juan CH. Dynamical EEG Indices of Progressive Motor Inhibition and Error-Monitoring. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11040478. [PMID: 33918711 PMCID: PMC8070019 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Response inhibition has been widely explored using the stop signal paradigm in the laboratory setting. However, the mechanism that demarcates attentional capture from the motor inhibition process is still unclear. Error monitoring is also involved in the stop signal task. Error responses that do not complete, i.e., partial errors, may require different error monitoring mechanisms relative to an overt error. Thus, in this study, we included a “continue go” (Cont_Go) condition to the stop signal task to investigate the inhibitory control process. To establish the finer difference in error processing (partial vs. full unsuccessful stop (USST)), a grip-force device was used in tandem with electroencephalographic (EEG), and the time-frequency characteristics were computed with Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT). Relative to Cont_Go, HHT results reveal (1) an increased beta and low gamma power for successful stop trials, indicating an electrophysiological index of inhibitory control, (2) an enhanced theta and alpha power for full USST trials that may mirror error processing. Additionally, the higher theta and alpha power observed in partial over full USST trials around 100 ms before the response onset, indicating the early detection of error and the corresponding correction process. Together, this study extends our understanding of the finer motor inhibition control and its dynamic electrophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trung Van Nguyen
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan; (T.V.N.); (P.B.); (N.G.M.); (W.-K.L.)
| | - Prasad Balachandran
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan; (T.V.N.); (P.B.); (N.G.M.); (W.-K.L.)
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Cheng Kung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Neil G. Muggleton
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan; (T.V.N.); (P.B.); (N.G.M.); (W.-K.L.)
- Cognitive Intelligence and Precision Healthcare Center, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Kuang Liang
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan; (T.V.N.); (P.B.); (N.G.M.); (W.-K.L.)
- Cognitive Intelligence and Precision Healthcare Center, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hung Juan
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan; (T.V.N.); (P.B.); (N.G.M.); (W.-K.L.)
- Cognitive Intelligence and Precision Healthcare Center, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +88-(63)-427-4738; Fax: +88-(63)-426-3502
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Liang WK, Tseng P, Yeh JR, Huang NE, Juan CH. Frontoparietal Beta Amplitude Modulation and its Interareal Cross-frequency Coupling in Visual Working Memory. Neuroscience 2021; 460:69-87. [PMID: 33588001 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Visual working memory (VWM) relies on sustained neural activities that code information via various oscillatory frequencies. Previous studies, however, have emphasized time-frequency power changes, while overlooking the possibility that rhythmic amplitude variations can also code frequency-specific VWM information in a completely different dimension. Here, we employed the recently-developed Holo-Hilbert spectral analysis to characterize such nonlinear amplitude modulation(s) (AM) underlying VWM in the frontoparietal systems. We found that the strength of AM in mid-frontal beta and gamma oscillations during late VWM maintenance and VWM retrieval correlated with people's VWM performance. When behavioral performance was altered with transcranial electric stimulation, AM power changes during late VWM maintenance in beta, but not gamma, tracked participants' VWM variations. This beta AM likely codes information by varying its amplitude in theta period for long-range propagation, as our connectivity analysis revealed that interareal theta-beta couplings-bidirectional between mid-frontal and right-parietal during VWM maintenance and unidirectional from right-parietal to left-middle-occipital during late VWM maintenance and retrieval-underpins VWM performance and individual differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Kuang Liang
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Cognitive Intelligence and Precision Healthcare Center, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, College of Health Sciences and Technology, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Philip Tseng
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Brain and Consciousness Research Center, TMU-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Rong Yeh
- Brain Research Center, College of Health Sciences and Technology, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Data Analysis and Application Laboratory, The First Institute of Oceanography, Qingdao, China
| | - Norden E Huang
- Cognitive Intelligence and Precision Healthcare Center, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, College of Health Sciences and Technology, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Data Analysis and Application Laboratory, The First Institute of Oceanography, Qingdao, China
| | - Chi-Hung Juan
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Cognitive Intelligence and Precision Healthcare Center, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, College of Health Sciences and Technology, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Psychology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Indices of association between anxiety and mindfulness: a guide for future mindfulness studies. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2019; 2:e9. [PMID: 32435744 PMCID: PMC7219893 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2019.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness and anxiety are often linked as inversely related traits and there have been several theoretical and mediational models proposed suggesting such a relationship between these two traits. The current review report offers an account of self-report measures, behavioral, electrophysiological, hemodynamic, and biological studies, which provide converging evidence for an inverse relationship between mindfulness and anxiety. To our knowledge, there are no comprehensive accounts of empirical evidence that investigate this relationship. After reviewing several empirical studies, we propose a schematic model, where a stressor can trigger the activation of amygdala which activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) pathway. This hyperactive HPA axis leads to a cascade of psychological, behavioral, electrophysiological, immunological, endocrine, and genetic reactions in the body, primarily mediated by a sympathetic pathway. Conversely, mindfulness protects from deleterious effects of these triggered reactions by downregulating the HPA axis activity via a parasympathetic pathway. Finally, we propose a model suggesting a comprehensive scheme through which mindfulness and anxiety may interact through emotion regulation. It is recommended that future mindfulness intervention studies should examine a broad spectrum of measurement indices where possible, keeping logistic feasibility in mind and look at mindfulness in conjunction with anxiety rather than independently.
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