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Dagnino PC, Galadí JA, Càmara E, Deco G, Escrichs A. Inducing a meditative state by artificial perturbations: A mechanistic understanding of brain dynamics underlying meditation. Netw Neurosci 2024; 8:517-540. [PMID: 38952817 PMCID: PMC11168722 DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Contemplative neuroscience has increasingly explored meditation using neuroimaging. However, the brain mechanisms underlying meditation remain elusive. Here, we implemented a mechanistic framework to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics of expert meditators during meditation and rest, and controls during rest. We first applied a model-free approach by defining a probabilistic metastable substate (PMS) space for each condition, consisting of different probabilities of occurrence from a repertoire of dynamic patterns. Moreover, we implemented a model-based approach by adjusting the PMS of each condition to a whole-brain model, which enabled us to explore in silico perturbations to transition from resting-state to meditation and vice versa. Consequently, we assessed the sensitivity of different brain areas regarding their perturbability and their mechanistic local-global effects. Overall, our work reveals distinct whole-brain dynamics in meditation compared to rest, and how transitions can be induced with localized artificial perturbations. It motivates future work regarding meditation as a practice in health and as a potential therapy for brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Clara Dagnino
- Computational Neuroscience Group, Center for Brain and Cognition, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier A. Galadí
- Computational Neuroscience Group, Center for Brain and Cognition, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Gustavo Deco
- Computational Neuroscience Group, Center for Brain and Cognition, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de la Recerca i Estudis Avancats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anira Escrichs
- Computational Neuroscience Group, Center for Brain and Cognition, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Cheung RYM, Djekou L. Self-compassion and grit mediated the relation between mindfulness and mind wandering based on cross-sectional survey data. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9090. [PMID: 38643257 PMCID: PMC11032370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58395-y] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research suggests that mindfulness and mind wandering are opposing constructs. However, little is known about why and how they are negatively related. Through a process-oriented approach, this cross-sectional study tested self-compassion and grit as mediators for the relation between mindfulness and mind wandering. A total of 487 self-identified meditators were recruited from the UK (241 female, 49.49%). Participants reported a mean age of 38.98 years (SD = 10.03), with an average of 2.26 h of meditation practice per week (SD = 4.47). Upon informed consent, the participants completed a self-report questionnaire that assessed the core variables under study. Path analysis indicated that mindfulness was related to self-compassion. Greater self-compassion was, in turn, related to greater grit, which was then related to lower mind wandering. Bootstrapping analysis further indicated that self-compassion and grit as mediators between mindfulness and mind wandering, above and beyond age, gender, hours of meditation, income, and education as covariates. The cross-sectional findings provided initial evidence of mediation by showing that mindfulness and mind wandering were related through self-compassion and grit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Y M Cheung
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
| | - Lemuela Djekou
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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3
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Albert DA, Ouimet MC, Brown TG. A randomized controlled pilot trial of brief online mindfulness training in young drivers. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2023; 193:107322. [PMID: 37793218 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2023.107322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Driver distraction contributes to fatal and injury crashes in young drivers. Mind wandering (MW) is a covert form of distraction involving task-unrelated thoughts. Brief online mindfulness training (MT) may reduce unsafe driving by enhancing recognition (meta-awareness) of MW and reducing its occurrence. This pilot trial tested these proposed mechanisms of MT and explored its specificity of action, effects on driving behaviour in simulation, as well as intervention adherence and acceptability in young drivers. METHODS A pre-post (T1, T2), randomized, active placebo-controlled, double-blinded design was used. Twenty-six drivers, aged 21-25, received either brief online MT (experimental) or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR, control) over 4-6 days. A custom website blindly conducted randomization, delivered interventions, administered questionnaires, and tracked adherence. At T1 and T2, a simulator measured driving behaviour while participants indicated MW whenever they recognized it, to assess meta-awareness, and when prompted by a thought-probe, to assess overall MW. RESULTS MT reduced MW while driving in simulation. The MT group reported higher state mindfulness following sessions. Motivation did not account for MW or mindfulness results. MT and meta-awareness were associated with more focus-related steering behaviour. Intervention groups did not significantly differ in adherence or attrition. No severe adverse effects were reported, but MT participants reported more difficulty following intervention instructions. CONCLUSION Results support a plausible mechanism of MT for reducing MW-related crash risk (i.e., reduction of MW) in young drivers. This preliminary evidence, alongside promising online adherence and acceptability results, warrants definitive efficacy and effectiveness trials of online MT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek A Albert
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Marie Claude Ouimet
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 150 Charles-Le Moyne PL, Suite 200, Longueuil, Quebec J4K 0A8, Canada
| | - Thomas G Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 150 Charles-Le Moyne PL, Suite 200, Longueuil, Quebec J4K 0A8, Canada.
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4
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Rodolico A, Cutrufelli P, Brondino N, Caponnetto P, Catania G, Concerto C, Fusar-Poli L, Mineo L, Sturiale S, Signorelli MS, Petralia A. Mental Pain Correlates with Mind Wandering, Self-Reflection, and Insight in Individuals with Psychotic Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1557. [PMID: 38002517 PMCID: PMC10670292 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the cognitive processes that contribute to mental pain in individuals with psychotic disorders is important for refining therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. This study investigated the potential relationship between mental pain, mind wandering, and self-reflection and insight in individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders. We included individuals diagnosed with a 'schizophrenia spectrum disorder' according to DSM-5 criteria. Patients in the study were between 18 and 65 years old, clinically stable, and able to provide informed consent. A total of 34 participants, comprising 25 males and 9 females with an average age of 41.5 years (SD 11.5) were evaluated. The Psychache Scale (PAS), the Mind Wandering Deliberate and Spontaneous Scale (MWDS), and the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS) were administered. Statistical analyses involved Spearman's rho correlations, controlled for potential confounders with partial correlations, and mediation and moderation analyses to understand the indirect effects of MWDS and SRIS on PAS and their potential interplay. Key findings revealed direct correlations between PAS and MWDS and inverse correlations between PAS and SRIS. The mediation effects on the relationship between the predictors and PAS ranged from 9.22% to 49.8%. The largest statistically significant mediation effect was observed with the SRIS-I subscale, suggesting that the self-reflection and insight component may play a role in the impact of mind wandering on mental pain. No evidence was found to suggest that any of the variables could function as relationship moderators for PAS. The results underscore the likely benefits of interventions aimed at reducing mind wandering and enhancing self-reflection in psychotic patients (e.g., metacognitive therapy, mindfulness). Further research will be essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rodolico
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Pierfelice Cutrufelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Natascia Brondino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Caponnetto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
- Department of Educational Sciences, Section of Psychology, University of Catania, Via Teatro Greco 84, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Concerto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Laura Fusar-Poli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Ludovico Mineo
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Serena Sturiale
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonino Petralia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
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5
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Ganesan S, A Moffat B, Van Dam NT, Lorenzetti V, Zalesky A. Meditation attenuates default-mode activity: A pilot study using ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI. Brain Res Bull 2023; 203:110766. [PMID: 37734622 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110766] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mapping the neurobiology of meditation has been bolstered by functional MRI (fMRI) research, with advancements in ultra-high field 7 Tesla fMRI further enhancing signal quality and neuroanatomical resolution. Here, we utilize 7 Tesla fMRI to examine the neural substrates of meditation and replicate existing widespread findings, after accounting for relevant physiological confounds. METHODS In this feasibility study, we scanned 10 beginner meditators (N = 10) while they either attended to breathing (focused attention meditation) or engaged in restful thinking (non-focused rest). We also measured and adjusted the fMRI signal for key physiological differences between meditation and rest. Finally, we explored changes in state mindfulness, state anxiety and focused attention attributes for up to 2 weeks following the single fMRI meditation session. RESULTS Group-level task fMRI analyses revealed significant reductions in activity during meditation relative to rest in default-mode network hubs, i.e., antero-medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices, precuneus, as well as visual and thalamic regions. These findings survived stringent statistical corrections for fluctuations in physiological responses which demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05/n, Bonferroni controlled) between meditation and rest. Compared to baseline, State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) scores were significantly elevated (F(3,9) = 8.16, p < 0.05/n, Bonferroni controlled) following the fMRI meditation session, and were closely maintained at 2-week follow up. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study establishes the feasibility and utility of investigating focused attention meditation using ultra-high field (7 Tesla) fMRI, by supporting widespread evidence that focused attention meditation attenuates default-mode activity responsible for self-referential processing. Future functional neuroimaging studies of meditation should control for physiological confounds and include behavioural assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saampras Ganesan
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia; Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Bradford A Moffat
- Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Nicholas T Van Dam
- Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia
| | - Andrew Zalesky
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia
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Jamil A, Gutlapalli SD, Ali M, Oble MJP, Sonia SN, George S, Shahi SR, Ali Z, Abaza A, Mohammed L. Meditation and Its Mental and Physical Health Benefits in 2023. Cureus 2023; 15:e40650. [PMID: 37476142 PMCID: PMC10355843 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This article discusses the power of meditation and how beneficial it is for the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown many positive brain changes and improved several brain functions. Meditation has several benefits improving the immune system and inflammatory processes by decreasing cytokine; appropriate telomere shortening also has helped healthy aging. Regarding physical health, meditation has been beneficial in various multi-factorial diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and fibromyalgia. It has also helped bring down blood cholesterol levels and increase high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels. Improvement was also seen in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Mental health is another aspect influenced by meditation, as positive emotion brought about by meditation helps address various mental problems like social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Overall, it seems to have some impact in all health areas. However, the magnitude of its effect is not known. More diverse and detailed studies should yield more beneficial clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneeque Jamil
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Sai Dheeraj Gutlapalli
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
- Internal Medicine Clinical Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Marya Ali
- Psychiatry, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Mrinal J P Oble
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Shamsun Nahar Sonia
- Internal medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Sherie George
- General Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Srushti R Shahi
- Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Zahra Ali
- Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
- Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, California, USA
| | - Abdelrahman Abaza
- Pathology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Lubna Mohammed
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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Wahbeh H, Cannard C, Kriegsman M, Delorme A. Evaluating brain spectral and connectivity differences between silent mind-wandering and trance states. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2023; 277:29-61. [PMID: 37301570 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Trance is an altered state of consciousness characterized by alterations in cognition. In general, trance states induce mental silence (i.e., cognitive thought reduction), and mental silence can induce trance states. Conversely, mind-wandering is the mind's propensity to stray its attention away from the task at hand and toward content irrelevant to the current moment, and its main component is inner speech. Building on the previous literature on mental silence and trance states and incorporating inverse source reconstruction advances, the study's objectives were to evaluate differences between trance and mind-wandering states using: (1) electroencephalography (EEG) power spectra at the electrode level, (2) power spectra at the area level (source reconstructed signal), and (3) EEG functional connectivity between these areas (i.e., how they interact). The relationship between subjective trance depths ratings and whole-brain connectivity during trance was also evaluated. Spectral analyses revealed increased delta and theta power in the frontal region and increased gamma in the centro-parietal region during mind-wandering, whereas trance showed increased beta and gamma power in the frontal region. Power spectra at the area level and pairwise comparisons of the connectivity between these areas demonstrated no significant difference between the two states. However, subjective trance depth ratings were inversely correlated with whole-brain connectivity in all frequency bands (i.e., deeper trance is associated with less large-scale connectivity). Trance allows one to enter mentally silent states and explore their neurophenomenological processes. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helané Wahbeh
- Research Department, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, United States.
| | - Cedric Cannard
- Research Department, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, United States
| | - Michael Kriegsman
- Research Department, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, United States
| | - Arnaud Delorme
- Research Department, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, CA, United States; University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
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Chaudhry N, Bhandari RB, Gaur V. Yoga perspective on personal excellence and well-being. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2023; 14:100717. [PMID: 37224682 PMCID: PMC10220233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The discussions on conceptualization, operationalization, measures, and means of well-being (WB) and personal excellence (PE) are dynamic and debatable. Therefore, this study aims to coin a perspective of PE based on the Patanjali Yoga Sūtra (PYS). For this, professional, psychological, philosophical, and yogic perspectives of WB and PE are analyzed to derive a viable yogic framework for PE. The WB and the consciousness-based constructs of PE are discussed in terms of psychic tensions (PTs) (nescience, egoism, attachment, aversion, and love for life), yogic hindrances (YHs) (illness, apathy, doubt, procrastination, laziness, over somatosensory indulgence, delusion, inability, and unstable progress), psychosomatic impairments (pain, despair, tremors, arrhythmic breath), and yogic aids (wellness, intrinsic motivation, faith, role punctuality, physical activity, sensory control, clarity, competence, and sustainable progress). The PYS operationalizes PE as the dynamic level of WB and self-awareness until one attains Dharmamegha Samādhi (super consciousness). Lastly, Ashtanga Yoga (AY) is discussed as a universal principle, process, and practice for thinning PTs, vanishing YHs, empowering holistic WB, awakening extrasensory potentials, advancing self-awareness, and PE. This study will be a pioneering base for further observational and interventional studies to develop measures and personalized protocols for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Chaudhry
- Department of Yoga Science, University of Patanjali, Haridwar, India
| | - Rudra B Bhandari
- Department of Yoga Science, University of Patanjali, Haridwar, India.
| | - Vaishali Gaur
- Department of Psychology, University of Patanjali, Haridwar, India
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Nieuwland J, Meijboom FLB. Being with other animals: Transitioning toward sustainable food futures. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1017975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
How do non-human animals (hereafter animals) fit into sustainable food futures? This question prompts ethical reflection. However, especially in times of transformative change, one should not overlook ontological assumptions before engaging in ethics. We follow up on the work of the late Australian philosopher Val Plumwood as she prominently made this move to the ontological level when considering the edibility of animals. As she invites one (1) to listen to animals as well as (2) to embody one's own edibility, salient ontological assumptions about how humans relate to other animals, and the rest of reality, rise to the surface. While Plumwood also developed a modest ethical framework to address animal edibility, her ontological approach is highlighted here, especially as it appears to point toward moral relativism. Plumwood's ontological approach is further developed, notably by unraveling the dualism between self and other. Doing so results in a more non-conceptual way of relating to other animals. As a genuinely interdependent way of engaging with reality, it appears most relevant to considering what role animals might have in sustainable food futures.
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Somaraju LH, Temple EC, Cocks B, Bizo LA. Are Mindfulness and Mind-Wandering Opposite Constructs? It Depends on How Mindfulness is Conceptualised. Psychol Rep 2023:332941231152391. [PMID: 36645725 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231152391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated if trait mindfulness and its components, mindful attention, acceptance, and non-judging correlate negatively with self-reported and indirect markers of mind-wandering. The 552 participants of the study completed an anonymous online questionnaire consisting of trait mindfulness and mind-wandering scales. They also completed the computer-based Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART), an objective measure of mind-wandering. The total mindfulness score and acceptance and non-judging subscale scores were strongly negatively correlated with both self-reported trait mind-wandering (TMW) and SART indices of mind-wandering. In contrast, attention was significantly positively correlated with both. These findings suggest that trait mindfulness conceptualised as a multi-component construct, but not a uni-component one, is probably an opposing construct to trait mind-wandering. Furthermore, mindfulness and its components, acceptance and non-judging, are associated with a reduction in the more common form of SART errors. However, only the acceptance component made a unique contribution to the variance in TMW and SART performance. Therefore, it is advisable for researchers to specify whether they investigated mindfulness as a uni-component or multi-component construct. Furthermore, it would be beneficial if future research investigates the relationship of mindfulness and its components with mind-wandering further by also incorporating a measure of state mindfulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi H Somaraju
- School of Psychology, 1319University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Temple
- School of Psychology, 1319University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Bernadine Cocks
- School of Psychology, 1319University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Lewis A Bizo
- School of Psychology, 1319University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Business Justice and Behavioural Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
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Madhira A, Srinivasan N. Letting it go: The interplay between mind wandering, mindfulness, and creativity. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Matko K, Berghöfer A, Jeitler M, Sedlmeier P, Bringmann HC. Who Benefits Most? Interactions between Personality Traits and Outcomes of Four Incremental Meditation and Yoga Treatments. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154553. [PMID: 35956171 PMCID: PMC9369882 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mind–Body Medicine (MBM) includes a broad range of interventions with proven preventive and clinical value, such as yoga and meditation. However, people differ in their preferences and response to different MBM treatments and it remains unclear who benefits most from what type of practice. Thus, finding moderators of treatment outcome seems to be a promising approach. This was the aim of the present study. We conducted a single-case multiple-baseline study investigating the outcomes and moderators of four different MBM treatments. Fifty-seven healthy participants with no prior experience were randomly assigned to three baselines (7, 14, and 21 days) and four eight-week treatments: mantra meditation alone, meditation plus physical yoga, meditation plus ethical education and meditation plus yoga and ethical education. We analysed the data using effect size estimation, multiple regression and cluster analyses. High anxiety, high absorption, low spirituality, low openness and younger age were associated with a range of positive outcomes, such as increased wellbeing or decentering and decreased mind wandering. Receiving ethical education consistently improved wellbeing, while engaging in physical yoga reduced mind wandering. In the cluster analysis, we found that participants with a more maladaptive personality structure enhanced their emotion regulation skills more. Consequently, people do differ in their response to MBM interventions and more vulnerable people, or those high in absorption, seem to benefit more. These findings could support the development of custom-tailored MBM interventions and help clinicians to make scientifically sound recommendations for their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Matko
- Institute of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09120 Chemnitz, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Anne Berghöfer
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Jeitler
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Sedlmeier
- Institute of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09120 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Holger C. Bringmann
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Krankenhaus Spremberg, 03130 Spremberg, Germany
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Cannard C, Wahbeh H, Delorme A. Electroencephalography Correlates of Well-Being Using a Low-Cost Wearable System. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:745135. [PMID: 35002651 PMCID: PMC8740323 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.745135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) alpha asymmetry is thought to reflect crucial brain processes underlying executive control, motivation, and affect. It has been widely used in psychopathology and, more recently, in novel neuromodulation studies. However, inconsistencies remain in the field due to the lack of consensus in methodological approaches employed and the recurrent use of small samples. Wearable technologies ease the collection of large and diversified EEG datasets that better reflect the general population, allow longitudinal monitoring of individuals, and facilitate real-world experience sampling. We tested the feasibility of using a low-cost wearable headset to collect a relatively large EEG database (N = 230, 22-80 years old, 64.3% female), and an open-source automatic method to preprocess it. We then examined associations between well-being levels and the alpha center of gravity (CoG) as well as trait EEG asymmetries, in the frontal and temporoparietal (TP) areas. Robust linear regression models did not reveal an association between well-being and alpha (8-13 Hz) asymmetry in the frontal regions, nor with the CoG. However, well-being was associated with alpha asymmetry in the TP areas (i.e., corresponding to relatively less left than right TP cortical activity as well-being levels increased). This effect was driven by oscillatory activity in lower alpha frequencies (8-10.5 Hz), reinforcing the importance of dissociating sub-components of the alpha band when investigating alpha asymmetries. Age was correlated with both well-being and alpha asymmetry scores, but gender was not. Finally, EEG asymmetries in the other frequency bands were not associated with well-being, supporting the specific role of alpha asymmetries with the brain mechanisms underlying well-being levels. Interpretations, limitations, and recommendations for future studies are discussed. This paper presents novel methodological, experimental, and theoretical findings that help advance human neurophysiological monitoring techniques using wearable neurotechnologies and increase the feasibility of their implementation into real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Cannard
- Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition (CerCo), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France
- Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), Petaluma, CA, United States
| | - Helané Wahbeh
- Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), Petaluma, CA, United States
| | - Arnaud Delorme
- Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition (CerCo), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France
- Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), Petaluma, CA, United States
- Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience (SCCN), Institute of Neural Computation (INC), University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on the Wandering Mind: a Systematic Review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:313-330. [PMID: 34560133 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Through the practice of Mindfulness Meditation (MM), meditators become familiar with the observation of ongoing spontaneous thoughts, while maintaining an attitude of openness and equanimity. The aim of this systematic review is to present a synthesis of available findings of the short and long-term effects of MM on mind wandering (MW). We included studies that considered both first-person and behavioral/physiological measures of MW. The search resulted in 2035 papers, 24 of which were eligible. Reviewed studies revealed a high heterogeneity in designs, outcome measures and interventions. Most of the pre-post intervention studies showed that a protracted practice of MM (at least 2 weeks) reduced MW, limiting its negative effects on different cognitive tasks. Cross-sectional studies highlighted differences between expert meditators and naïve individuals: meditators self-reported less MW and showed decreased Default Mode Network activity, during meditation and resting-state. Further studies are needed to replicate available findings and to more deeply explore how MW is influenced by meditation, also considering its qualitative characteristics that remain largely unexplored.
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Cantone D, Feruglio S, Crescentini C, Cinot S, Matiz A. A Multilevel Approach to Explore the Wandering Mind and Its Connections with Mindfulness and Personality. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11090125. [PMID: 34562963 PMCID: PMC8469085 DOI: 10.3390/bs11090125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We propose an innovative approach to study Mind Wandering (MW), and we present an application of this methodology to study the effects of a Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation (MOM) training. We assessed individuals' MW through a free association task and an attentional task with thought-probes combined with a questionnaire for the phenomenological characteristic of each MW episode. We used the Temperament and Character Inventory to assess participants' personality traits and their associations with measures of MW. Our study was limited by the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and only nine healthy young individuals completed the testing sessions, which were carried out before and after the MOM training. After MOM, participants showed fewer repetitive and self-relevant thoughts and indices of better performance in the attentional task; the linguistic analysis of participants' free associations showed lower verbal productivity and a decrease in utterances that expressed anxiety/stress. Overall, we foresee that future studies could replicate our preliminary findings with larger samples and in a period without a global health emergency. This multilevel approach to the study of MW may allow researchers to gain a broader view of the phenomenon, considering its occurrence, qualitative characteristics, impact on cognitive tasks, malleability via mindfulness or other psychological interventions, and relations with personality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Cantone
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (S.F.); (C.C.); (A.M.)
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00118 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Susanna Feruglio
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (S.F.); (C.C.); (A.M.)
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00118 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiano Crescentini
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (S.F.); (C.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Sabrina Cinot
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Alessio Matiz
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (S.F.); (C.C.); (A.M.)
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