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Zhong SY, Guo JH, Zhou XN, Liu JL, Jiang CL. Effects of brief mindfulness meditation training on attention and dispositional mindfulness in young adult males. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 246:104277. [PMID: 38642454 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104277] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the impact of brief mindfulness meditation (BMM) training on attention function and dispositional mindfulness in young males. 126 male participants aged 18-26 from the security industry were recruited, with 66 participants (M = 22.84, SD = 2.41) undergoing 4-week mindfulness meditation training and 60 participants (M = 23.07, SD = 2.29) in the active control group. The intervention was integrated into the participants' schedules. Measures included Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaires (FFMQ), concentration and assignment attention tasks, Attention Network Test (ANT), and saliva cortisol concentration. Findings indicate that brief mindfulness meditation training led to significant improvements in participants' FFMQ scores), with marginally significant enhancements in the executive control network. However, it had no discernible effect on alertness and orientation networks. Additionally, brief mindfulness meditation training enhanced attention allocation to light stimulation and prolonged individual attention. Surprisingly, there was no observed decrease in saliva cortisol concentration among meditation training participants. However, this study did not find a decrease in saliva cortisol concentration in the brief mindfulness meditation group. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of a 4-week brief mindfulness meditation training program to enhance dispositional mindfulness and specific aspects of attention function in young men, offering practical insights into the benefits of mindfulness meditation practices for this demographic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yang Zhong
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China; Jiangsu Armed Police Corps Hospital, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Hui Guo
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhou
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Lan Liu
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Lei Jiang
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Yang WF, Sparby T, Wright M, Kim E, Sacchet MD. Volitional mental absorption in meditation: Toward a scientific understanding of advanced concentrative absorption meditation and the case of jhana. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31223. [PMID: 38803854 PMCID: PMC11129010 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Meditation has been integral to human culture for millennia, deeply rooted in various spiritual and contemplative traditions. While the field of contemplative science has made significant steps toward understanding the effects of meditation on health and well-being, there has been little study of advanced meditative states, including those achieved through intense concentration and absorption. We refer to these types of states as advanced concentrative absorption meditation (ACAM), characterized by absorption with the meditation object leading to states of heightened attention, clarity, energy, effortlessness, and bliss. This review focuses on a type of ACAM known as jhana (ACAM-J) due to its well-documented history, systematic practice approach, recurring phenomenological themes, and growing popularity among contemplative scientists and more generally in media and society. ACAM-J encompasses eight layers of deep concentration, awareness, and internal experiences. Here, we describe the phenomenology of ACAM-J and present evidence from phenomenological and neuroscientific studies that highlight their potential applications in contemplative practices, psychological sciences, and therapeutics. We additionally propose theoretical ACAM-J frameworks grounded in current cognitive neuroscientific understanding of meditation and ancient contemplative traditions. We aim to stimulate further research on ACAM more broadly, encompassing advanced meditation including meditative development and meditative endpoints. Studying advanced meditation including ACAM, and specific practices such as ACAM-J, can potentially revolutionize our understanding of consciousness and applications for mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winson F.Z. Yang
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Terje Sparby
- Steiner University College, 0260, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448, Witten, Germany
- Integrated Curriculum for Anthroposophic Psychology, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448, Witten, Germany
| | - Malcolm Wright
- School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
| | - Eunmi Kim
- Center for Contemplative Science, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Matthew D. Sacchet
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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3
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Shoker D, Desmet L, Ledoux N, Héron A. Effects of standardized mindfulness programs on burnout: a systematic review and original analysis from randomized controlled trials. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1381373. [PMID: 38841654 PMCID: PMC11151852 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1381373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic occupational stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism toward work, and a lack of personal accomplishment at work. Recent WHO guidelines on mental health suggest that mindfulness could have beneficial effects in a professional environment, but to the best of our knowledge, there is currently no study that has made a large inventory of research focused specifically on the effects of standardized programs on burnout. Which professional populations have already been studied? What are the characteristics of the programs? Have studies shown a significant effect and on what indicator? Objective To assess the effects of standardized programs of mindfulness on burnout, we carried out a systematic review using an exhaustive inventory of the international literature based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods The articles were selected according to PRISMA recommendations. The Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, HAL databases were searched with the keywords "mindfulness," "burnout," and "randomized" in the title and abstract of each article. The data were all collected in an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed in pivot tables, which were then presented in graphs and maps. Results A total of 49 RCTs were thus selected, the majority of which were of good methodological quality, of American origin (43% of studies), concerned professionals in the health sector (64% of participants included), and mostly women (76%). The RCTs assessed the effects of 31 different mindfulness programs, mostly with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (78% of RCTs). More than two-thirds of RCTs (67%) showed a significant beneficial effect on burnout measurement indicators, with emotional exhaustion being the most impacted component. Conclusion This systematic review shows that mindfulness-based interventions could be approaches of choice to prevent emotional distress of burnout. Further studies are still needed to determine which type of program is best suited to impact the two other components of burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dyna Shoker
- Unité de Recherche Clinique ARC EN CIEL UF657-Centre Hospitalier Victor Jousselin-GHT HOPE Les Hôpitaux Publics Euréliens, Dreux, France
- Cabinet médical de la gare de Nyon, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Laura Desmet
- Unité de Recherche Clinique ARC EN CIEL UF657-Centre Hospitalier Victor Jousselin-GHT HOPE Les Hôpitaux Publics Euréliens, Dreux, France
| | - Nelly Ledoux
- Unité de Recherche Clinique ARC EN CIEL UF657-Centre Hospitalier Victor Jousselin-GHT HOPE Les Hôpitaux Publics Euréliens, Dreux, France
| | - Anne Héron
- Unité de Recherche Clinique ARC EN CIEL UF657-Centre Hospitalier Victor Jousselin-GHT HOPE Les Hôpitaux Publics Euréliens, Dreux, France
- Faculté de Santé - Pharmacie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Chiarella SG, De Pastina R, Raffone A, Simione L. Mindfulness Affects the Boundaries of Bodily Self-Representation: The Effect of Focused-Attention Meditation in Fading the Boundary of Peripersonal Space. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:306. [PMID: 38667102 PMCID: PMC11047477 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040306] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Peripersonal space (PPS) is a dynamic multisensory representation of the space around the body, influenced by internal and external sensory information. The malleability of PPS boundaries, as evidenced by their expansion after tool use or modulation through social interactions, positions PPS as a crucial element in understanding the subjective experiences of self and otherness. Building on the existing literature highlighting both the cognitive and bodily effects of mindfulness meditation, this study proposes a novel approach by employing focused-attention meditation (FAM) and a multisensory audio-tactile task to assess PPS in both the extension and sharpness of its boundaries. The research hypothesis posits that FAM, which emphasizes heightened attention to bodily sensations and interoception, may reduce the extension of PPS and make its boundaries less sharp. We enrolled 26 non-meditators who underwent a repeated measure design in which they completed the PPS task before and after a 15-min FAM induction. We found a significant reduction in the sharpness of PPS boundaries but no significant reduction in PPS extension. These results provide novel insights into the immediate effects of FAM on PPS, potentially shedding light on the modulation of self-other representations in both cognitive and bodily domains. Indeed, our findings could have implications for understanding the intricate relationship between mindfulness practices and the subjective experience of self within spatial contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Gaetano Chiarella
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies (ISTC), National Research Council (CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo De Pastina
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.D.P.); (A.R.)
| | - Antonino Raffone
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.D.P.); (A.R.)
| | - Luca Simione
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies (ISTC), National Research Council (CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche e Sociali Internazionali, UNINT, Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma, 00147 Rome, Italy
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Joss D, Teicher MH, Lazar SW. Beneficial effects of mindfulness-based intervention on hippocampal volumes and episodic memory for childhood adversity survivors. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2024; 16:100769. [PMID: 38737193 PMCID: PMC11086948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2024.100769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) has detrimental impacts on neural development, especially hippocampal morphometry. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) has been shown to induce adaptive hippocampal changes especially at the subiculum. The present study aims to investigate the effects of MBI on subiculum volumes among ACE survivors, as well as the effects on episodic memory as a probe into hippocampal functionality. Methods We analyzed anatomical MRI data and performance indices from an episodic memory task called the Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST) collected from a randomized controlled longitudinal study that compared an 8-week MBI (N = 20) to an active control condition of Stress Management Education (SME) (N = 19). FreeSurfer 6.0 was used for automated hippocampal subfield segmentation and volumetric estimation. Results Significant group differences were observed with the volumetric changes of the right whole hippocampus and right subiculum. Only the MBI group showed improved pattern separation capability from MST, which was associated with stress reduction and right subiculum volumetric changes. Limitations Modest sample size. MST task was performed outside of MRI. Conclusions These findings suggest beneficial effects of MBI for hippocampal volumes and episodic memory, while highlighting the importance of the subiculum for MBI-induced neural and cognitive changes. The subiculum's known role in inhibitory control was interpreted as a potential mechanism for it to exhibit MBI-induced volumetric changes, which sheds light on the potential neural underpinnings of mindfulness meditation for reducing stress reactivity among ACE survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Joss
- Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Martin H. Teicher
- Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Sara W. Lazar
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Merlet I, Guillery M, Weyl L, Hammal M, Maliia M, Maliia S, Biraben A, Ricordeau C, Drapier D, Nica A. EEG changes induced by meditative practices: State and trait effects in healthy subjects and in patients with epilepsy. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:326-347. [PMID: 38503588 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.02.387] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The effect of meditation on brain activity has been the topic of many studies in healthy subjects and in patients suffering from chronic diseases. These effects are either explored during meditation practice (state effects) or as a longer-term result of meditation training during the resting-state (trait). The topic of this article is to first review these findings by focusing on electroencephalography (EEG) changes in healthy subjects with or without experience in meditation. Modifications in EEG baseline rhythms, functional connectivity and advanced nonlinear parameters are discussed in regard to feasibility in clinical applications. Secondly, we provide a state-of-the-art of studies that proposed meditative practices as a complementary therapy in patients with epilepsy, in whom anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent. In these studies, the effects of standardized meditation programs including elements of traditional meditation practices such as mindfulness, loving-kindness and compassion are explored both at the level of psychological functioning and on the occurrence of seizures. Lastly, preliminary results are given regarding our ongoing study, the aim of which is to quantify the effects of a mindfulness self-compassion (MSC) practice on interictal and ictal epileptic activity. Feasibility, difficulties, and prospects of this study are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Merlet
- Universitiy of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI - UMR 1099, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - M Guillery
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Regnier (CHGR), University of Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - L Weyl
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Regnier (CHGR), University of Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - M Hammal
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Regnier (CHGR), University of Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - M Maliia
- Universitiy of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI - UMR 1099, F-35000 Rennes, France; Epilepsy Unit, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Neurology Department, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Center for Clinical Investigation CIC-P INSERM 1414, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - S Maliia
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Regnier (CHGR), University of Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - A Biraben
- Universitiy of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI - UMR 1099, F-35000 Rennes, France; Epilepsy Unit, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Neurology Department, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Center for Clinical Investigation CIC-P INSERM 1414, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - C Ricordeau
- Epilepsy Resource Team, 54, rue Saint-Helier, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - D Drapier
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Regnier (CHGR), University of Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - A Nica
- Universitiy of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI - UMR 1099, F-35000 Rennes, France; Epilepsy Unit, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Neurology Department, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Center for Clinical Investigation CIC-P INSERM 1414, F-35000 Rennes, France.
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7
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Plini ERG, Melnychuk MC, Dockree PM. Meditation Experience is Associated with Increased Structural Integrity of the Pineal Gland and greater total Grey Matter maintenance. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.04.24303649. [PMID: 38496551 PMCID: PMC10942509 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.04.24303649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates that meditation practice supports cognitive functions including attention and interoceptive processing, and is associated with structural changes across cortical networks including prefrontal regions, and the insula. However, the extent of subcortical morphometric changes linked to meditation practice is less appreciated. A noteworthy candidate is the Pineal Gland, a key producer of melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms that augment sleep-wake patterns, and may also provide neuroprotective benefits to offset cognitive decline. Increased melatonin levels as well as increased fMRI BOLD signal in the Pineal Gland has been observed in mediators vs. controls. However, it is not known if long-term meditators exhibit structural change in the Pineal Gland linked to lifetime duration of practice. In the current study we performed Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis to investigate: 1) whether long-term meditators (LTMs) (n=14) exhibited greater Pineal Gland integrity compared to a control group (n=969), 2) a potential association between the estimated lifetime hours of meditation (ELHOM) and Pineal Gland integrity, and 3) whether LTMs show greater Grey Matter (GM) maintenance (BrainPAD) that is associated with Pineal Gland integrity. The results revealed greater Pineal Gland integrity and lower BrainPAD scores (younger brain age) in LTMs compared to controls. Exploratory analysis revealed a positive association between ELHOM and greater signal intensity in the Pineal Gland but not with GM maintenance as measured by BrainPAD score. However, greater Pineal integrity and lower BrainPAD scores were correlated in LTMs. The potential mechanisms by which meditation influences Pineal Gland function, hormonal metabolism, and GM maintenance are discussed - in particular melatonin's roles in sleep, immune response, inflammation modulation, and stem cell and neural regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele RG Plini
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Llyod Building, 42A Pearse St, 8PVX+GJ Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Paul M Dockree
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Llyod Building, 42A Pearse St, 8PVX+GJ Dublin, Ireland
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8
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Elcin D, Velasquez M, Colombo PJ. Effects of acute and long-term mindfulness on neural activity and the conflict resolution component of attention. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1359198. [PMID: 38450222 PMCID: PMC10914991 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1359198] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness practices have been linked to enhanced attention and conflict resolution abilities. While much research has focused on the long-term effects of mindfulness, the immediate impact of a single session has been less studied. This study recruited 20 experienced meditators and 20 novices and assigned them to a mindfulness or a control condition. They completed a Stroop Task to measure cognitive conflict resolution before and after the intervention, with brain activity monitored via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Novices showed an age-related decline in conflict resolution ability, while experienced meditators didn't. Initially, both groups showed similar Stroop performance, but experienced meditators had greater brain activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Post-intervention, novices in the breath count task became more similar to experienced meditators in their neural activity during conflict resolution. Our findings indicate that long-term mindfulness experience may protect against age-related decline in cognitive conflict resolution speed, and may alter neural processing of cognitive conflict resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehan Elcin
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Miguel Velasquez
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Paul J. Colombo
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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9
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Bruner E. Cognitive archaeology, and the psychological assessment of extinct minds. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25583. [PMID: 38289186 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25583] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Evolutionary anthropology relies on both neontological and paleontological information. In the latter case, fields such as paleoneurology, neuroarchaeology, and cognitive archaeology are supplying new perspectives in prehistory and neuroscience. Cognitive archaeology, in particular, investigates the behaviors associated with extinct species or cultures according to specific psychological models. For example, changes in working memory, attention, or visuospatial integration can be postulated when related behavioral changes are described in the archaeological record. However, cognition is a process based on different and partially independent functional elements, and extinct species could hence have evolved distinct combinations of cognitive abilities or features, based on both quantitative and qualitative differences. Accordingly, differences in working memory can lead to more conceptual or more holistic mindsets, with important changes in the perception and management of the mental experience. The parietal cortex is particularly interesting, in this sense, being involved in functions associated with body-tool integration, attention, and visual imaging. In some cases, evolutionary mismatches among these elements can induce drawbacks that, despite their positive effects on natural selection, can introduce important constraints in our own mental skills. Beyond the theoretical background, some hypotheses can be tested following methods in experimental psychology. In any case, theories in cognitive evolution must acknowledge that, beyond the brain and its biology, the human mind is also deeply rooted in body perception, in social networks, and in technological extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Bruner
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
- Alzheimer's Centre Reina Sofia-CIEN Foundation-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Brugnoli MP. Spiritual healing in palliative care with clinical hypnosis: neuroscience and therapy. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS 2023:1-13. [PMID: 38117544 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2023.2281466] [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: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
THIS PAPER REVIEWS The neuroscientific features of inner consciousness, including its role in suffering and in accessing states of mind that relieve suffering; details salient meditative and hypnotic approaches appropriate for palliative settings of care; discusses core principles and orientations shared by effective approaches; and proposes early integration of hypnotic training as a coping skill and a platform for spiritual exploration, as desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paola Brugnoli
- Interdisciplinary Research Group in Neurobioethics (GdN) at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum (APRA), Roma, Italy
- Chairperson Ethical Committee ISH International Society of Hypnosis, Verona, Italy
- President SIPMU Italian Scientific Society Clinical Hypnosis in Psychotherapy and Humanistic Medicine, Verona, Italy
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11
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Rahrig H, Ma L, Brown KW, Martelli AM, West SJ, Lasko EN, Chester DS. Inside the mindful moment: The effects of brief mindfulness practice on large-scale network organization and intimate partner aggression. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 23:1581-1597. [PMID: 37880570 PMCID: PMC10842035 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-023-01136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness can produce neuroplastic changes that support adaptive cognitive and emotional functioning. Recently interest in single-exercise mindfulness instruction has grown considerably because of the advent of mobile health technology. Accordingly, the current study sought to extend neural models of mindfulness by investigating transient states of mindfulness during single-dose exposure to focused attention meditation. Specifically, we examined the ability of a brief mindfulness induction to attenuate intimate partner aggression via adaptive changes to intrinsic functional brain networks. We employed a dual-regression approach to examine a large-scale functional network organization in 50 intimate partner dyads (total n = 100) while they received either mindfulness (n = 50) or relaxation (n = 50) instruction. Mindfulness instruction reduced coherence within the Default Mode Network and increased functional connectivity within the Frontoparietal Control and Salience Networks. Additionally, mindfulness decoupled primary visual and attention-linked networks. Yet, this induction was unable to elicit changes in subsequent intimate partner aggression, and such aggression was broadly unassociated with any of our network indices. These findings suggest that minimal doses of focused attention-based mindfulness can promote transient changes in large-scale brain networks that have uncertain implications for aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadley Rahrig
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Liangsuo Ma
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kirk Warren Brown
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Emily N Lasko
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - David S Chester
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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12
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Lyu W, Wu Y, Huang H, Chen Y, Tan X, Liang Y, Ma X, Feng Y, Wu J, Kang S, Qiu S, Yap PT. Aberrant dynamic functional network connectivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus individuals. Cogn Neurodyn 2023; 17:1525-1539. [PMID: 37969945 PMCID: PMC10640562 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-022-09899-8] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of recent brain imaging studies are dedicated to understanding the neuro mechanism of cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) individuals. In contrast to efforts to date that are limited to static functional connectivity, here we investigate abnormal connectivity in T2DM individuals by characterizing the time-varying properties of brain functional networks. Using group independent component analysis (GICA), sliding-window analysis, and k-means clustering, we extracted thirty-one intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) and estimated four recurring brain states. We observed significant group differences in fraction time (FT) and mean dwell time (MDT), and significant negative correlation between the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores and FT/MDT. We found that in the T2DM group the inter- and intra-network connectivity decreases and increases respectively for the default mode network (DMN) and task-positive network (TPN). We also found alteration in the precuneus network (PCUN) and enhanced connectivity between the salience network (SN) and the TPN. Our study provides evidence of alterations of large-scale resting networks in T2DM individuals and shed light on the fundamental mechanisms of neurocognitive deficits in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Lyu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Ye Wu
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Haoming Huang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Yuna Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Xin Tan
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Yi Liang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Xiaomeng Ma
- Department of Radiology, Jingzhou First People’s Hospital of Hubei Province, Jingzhou, Hubei China
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Jinjian Wu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Shangyu Kang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Shijun Qiu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Pew-Thian Yap
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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13
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Lukemire J, Pagnoni G, Guo Y. Sparse Bayesian modeling of hierarchical independent component analysis: Reliable estimation of individual differences in brain networks. Biometrics 2023; 79:3599-3611. [PMID: 37036246 PMCID: PMC11149774 DOI: 10.1111/biom.13867] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Independent component analysis (ICA) is one of the leading approaches for studying brain functional networks. There is increasing interest in neuroscience studies to investigate individual differences in brain networks and their association with demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes. In this work, we develop a sparse Bayesian group hierarchical ICA model that offers significant improvements over existing ICA techniques for identifying covariate effects on the brain network. Specifically, we model the population-level ICA source signals for brain networks using a Dirichlet process mixture. To reliably capture individual differences on brain networks, we propose sparse estimation of the covariate effects in the hierarchical ICA model via a horseshoe prior. Through extensive simulation studies, we show that our approach performs considerably better in detecting covariate effects in comparison with the leading group ICA methods. We then perform an ICA decomposition of a between-subject meditation study. Our method is able to identify significant effects related to meditative practice in brain regions that are consistent with previous research into the default mode network, whereas other group ICA approaches find few to no effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Lukemire
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Georgia, USA
| | - Giuseppe Pagnoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Ying Guo
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Georgia, USA
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14
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Zhang Y, Chen S, Zhang Z, Duan W, Zhao L, Weinschenk G, Luh WM, Anderson AK, Dai W. Effect of Meditation on Brain Activity during an Attention Task: A Comparison Study of ASL and BOLD Task fMRI. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1653. [PMID: 38137100 PMCID: PMC10741430 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121653] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Focused attention meditation (FAM) training has been shown to improve attention, but the neural basis of FAM on attention has not been thoroughly understood. Here, we aim to investigate the neural effect of a 2-month FAM training on novice meditators in a visual oddball task (a frequently adopted task to evaluate attention), evaluated with both ASL and BOLD fMRI. Using ASL, activation was increased in the middle cingulate (part of the salience network, SN) and temporoparietal (part of the frontoparietal network, FPN) regions; the FAM practice time was negatively associated with the longitudinal changes in activation in the medial prefrontal (part of the default mode network, DMN) and middle frontal (part of the FPN) regions. Using BOLD, the FAM practice time was positively associated with the longitudinal changes of activation in the inferior parietal (part of the dorsal attention network, DAN), dorsolateral prefrontal (part of the FPN), and precentral (part of the DAN) regions. The effect sizes for the activation changes and their association with practice time using ASL are significantly larger than those using BOLD. Our study suggests that FAM training may improve attention via modulation of the DMN, DAN, SN, and FPN, and ASL may be a sensitive tool to study the FAM effect on attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA (S.C.)
| | - Shichun Chen
- Department of Computer Science, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA (S.C.)
| | - Zongpai Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA (S.C.)
| | - Wenna Duan
- Department of Computer Science, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA (S.C.)
| | - Li Zhao
- College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - George Weinschenk
- Department of Computer Science, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA (S.C.)
| | - Wen-Ming Luh
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21225, USA
| | - Adam K. Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
| | - Weiying Dai
- Department of Computer Science, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA (S.C.)
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15
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Pereira EJ, Ayers-Glassey S, Wammes JD, Smilek D. Attention in hindsight: Using stimulated recall to capture dynamic fluctuations in attentional engagement. Behav Res Methods 2023:10.3758/s13428-023-02273-4. [PMID: 38017200 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02273-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Attentional engagement is known to vary on a moment-to-moment basis. However, few self-report methods can effectively capture dynamic fluctuations in attentional engagement over time. In the current paper, we evaluated the utility of stimulated recall, a method wherein individuals are asked to remember their subjective states while using a mnemonic cue, for the measurement of temporal changes in attentional engagement. Participants were asked to watch a video lecture, during which we assessed their in-the-moment levels of attentional engagement using intermittent thought probes. Then, we used stimulated recall by cueing participants with short video clips from the lecture to retrospectively assess the levels of attentional engagement they had experienced when they first watched those clips within the lecture. Experiment 1 assessed the statistical overlap between in-the-moment and video-stimulated ratings. Experiment 2 assessed the generalizability of video-stimulated recall across different types of lectures. Experiment 3 assessed the impact of presenting video-stimulated probe clips in non-chronological order. Experiment 4 assessed the effect of video-stimulated recall on its own. Across all experiments, we found statistically robust correspondence between in-the-moment and video-stimulated ratings of attentional engagement, illustrating a strong convergence between these two methods of assessment. Taken together, our findings indicate that stimulated recall provides a new and practical methodological approach that can accurately capture dynamic fluctuations in subjective attentional states over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effie J Pereira
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, PAS Building, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Samantha Ayers-Glassey
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, PAS Building, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Jeffrey D Wammes
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Humphrey Hall, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Daniel Smilek
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, PAS Building, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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16
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Gao Q, Zhang L. Brief mindfulness meditation intervention improves attentional control of athletes in virtual reality shooting competition: Evidence from fNIRS and eye tracking. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 69:102477. [PMID: 37665918 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102477] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Attentional control is a crucial cognitive ability for sports performance. The current research aimed to investigate whether a brief (20-min) pre-competition mindfulness meditation (MM) intervention enhances athletes' attentional control during competitions and alters the activity of brain regions related to attentional control. We created a virtual reality shooting competition to compare the eye-gaze indicators and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) parameters of 78 university athletes after 20 min of MM or 20 min of mind wandering (MW). Participants' average fixation durations (AFDs) on task-relevant information (targets) were significantly longer in the MM group. In contrast, both average fixation counts (AFCs) and AFDs on task-irrelevant information (the ranking screen) were significantly lower in the MM group than in the MW group. Additionally, the MM group exhibited significantly stronger activation of the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) as well as higher levels of oxygenated haemoglobin [HbO] and greater functional connectivity (FC) of the right dlPFC, which was considered evidence of recruitment for attentional control. Moreover, the MM group achieved significantly better shooting performance than the MW group. Overall, the findings suggest that one session 20-min MM practice pre-competition facilitates focus during competition and improves athletic performance. We recommend the application of brief mindfulness practice in sports, especially in closed-skill sports that require high attention participation (e.g., shooting, archery, darts, golf, gymnastics, skating etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Gao
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Liwei Zhang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.
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17
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Kucyi A, Kam JWY, Andrews-Hanna JR, Christoff K, Whitfield-Gabrieli S. Recent advances in the neuroscience of spontaneous and off-task thought: implications for mental health. NATURE MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 1:827-840. [PMID: 37974566 PMCID: PMC10653280 DOI: 10.1038/s44220-023-00133-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
People spend a remarkable 30-50% of awake life thinking about something other than what they are currently doing. These experiences of being "off-task" can be described as spontaneous thought when mental dynamics are relatively flexible. Here we review recent neuroscience developments in this area and consider implications for mental wellbeing and illness. We provide updated overviews of the roles of the default mode network and large-scale network dynamics, and we discuss emerging candidate mechanisms involving hippocampal memory (sharp-wave ripples, replay) and neuromodulatory (noradrenergic and serotonergic) systems. We explore how distinct brain states can be associated with or give rise to adaptive and maladaptive forms of thought linked to distinguishable mental health outcomes. We conclude by outlining new directions in the neuroscience of spontaneous and off-task thought that may clarify mechanisms, lead to personalized biomarkers, and facilitate therapy developments toward the goals of better understanding and improving mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Kucyi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University
| | - Julia W. Y. Kam
- Department of Psychology and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary
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18
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Chaudhary IS, Shyi GCW, Huang STT. A systematic review and activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of fMRI studies on arousing or wake-promoting effects in Buddhist meditation. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1136983. [PMID: 38022985 PMCID: PMC10646186 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1136983] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional Buddhist texts illustrate meditation as a condition of relaxed alertness that must fend against extreme hypoarousal (sleep, drowsiness) and extreme hyperarousal (restlessness). Theoretical, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging investigations of meditation have highlighted the relaxing effects and hypoarousing without emphasizing the alertness-promoting effects. Here we performed a systematic review supported by an activation-likelihood estimate (ALE) meta-analysis in an effort to counterbalance the surfeit of scholarship emphasizing the hypoarousing and relaxing effects of different forms of Buddhist meditation. Specifically, the current systematic review-cum-meta-analytical review seeks to highlight more support for meditation's wake-promoting effects by drawing from neuroimaging research during wakefulness and meditation. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 fMRI studies, we aim to highlight support for Buddhist meditation's wake-promoting or arousing effects by identifying brain regions associated with alertness during meditation. The most significant peaks were localized medial frontal gyrus (MFG) and precuneus. We failed to determine areas ostensibly common to alertness-related meditation such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), superior parietal lobule, basal ganglia, thalamus, most likely due to the relatively fewer fMRI investigations that used wakefulness-promoting meditation techniques. Also, we argue that forthcoming research on meditation, related to alertness or wakefulness, continues to adopt a multi-modal method to investigate the correlation between actual behaviors and neural networks connected to Buddhist meditation. Moreover, we recommend the implementation of fMRI paradigms on Buddhist meditation with clinically diagnosed participants to complement recent trends in psychotherapy such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Inder S. Chaudhary
- PhD Program in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Center for Research in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Gary Chon-Wen Shyi
- PhD Program in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Center for Research in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Tseng Tina Huang
- PhD Program in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Center for Research in Cognitive Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
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19
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Qi L, Wang GL, Tian ZH, Guan S, Yang SY, Yang YL, Liu LQ, Lin YZ. Prefrontal cortical hemodynamics and functional network organization during Tai Chi standing meditation: an fNIRS study. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1294312. [PMID: 37954940 PMCID: PMC10634523 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1294312] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tai Chi standing meditation (Zhan Zhuang, also called pile standing) is characterized by meditation, deep breathing, and mental focus based on theories of traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of the present study was to explore prefrontal cortical hemodynamics and the functional network organization associated with Tai Chi standing meditation by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods Twenty-four channel fNIRS signals were recorded from 24 male Tai Chi Quan practitioners (54.71 ± 8.04 years) while standing at rest and standing during Tai Chi meditation. The general linear model and the SPM method were used to analyze the fNIRS signals. Pearson correlation was calculated to determine the functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortical sub-regions. The small world properties of the FC networks were then further analyzed based on graph theory. Results During Tai Chi standing meditation, significantly higher concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin were observed in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), frontal eye field (FEF), and pre-motor cortex (PMC) compared with the values measured during standing rest (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, significant decreases in deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration were observed in left VLPFC, right PMC and DLPFC during Tai Chi standing meditation than during standing rest (p < 0.05). Functional connectivity between the left and right PFC was also significantly stronger during the Tai Chi standing meditation (p < 0.05). The functional brain networks exhibited small-world architecture, and more network hubs located in DLPFC and VLPFC were identified during Tai Chi standing meditation than during standing rest. Discussion These findings suggest that Tai Chi standing meditation introduces significant changes in the cortical blood flow and the brain functional network organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Qi
- Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Guo-Liang Wang
- Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Tian
- Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Shuo Guan
- Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Shu-Ye Yang
- School of Physical Education and Health, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Yu-Long Yang
- School of Physical Education and Health, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Li-Qing Liu
- School of Physical Education and Health, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Yong-Zhong Lin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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20
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Demina A, Petit B, Meille V, Trojak B. Mindfulness interventions for craving reduction in substance use disorders and behavioral addictions: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:55. [PMID: 37853315 PMCID: PMC10583418 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00821-4] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-quality evidence is still required to affirm the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in craving reduction. MBIs may be particularly appropriate for this purpose given the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction with automatic behavior in response to the negative affect. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to study the efficacy of MBIs in craving reduction and to synthetize the newly published data. METHODS We searched four databases and three clinical trial registries for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to August 2023, including studies with MBIs in all types of substance use disorders or behavioral addictions. We chose as our outcome of interest the change from the baseline of craving measures at posttreatment. Standardized mean difference was used as an effect size estimator. RESULTS We included 17 RCTs with 1228 participants. The overall effect size was estimated at -0.70 (95% CI -1.15, -0.26) in favor of MBIs. CONCLUSION Due to the high inconsistency (I2 = 92%), we were unable to conclude that there is a medium to large effect size. Overall risk of bias was high for most studies, and the GRADE approach detected a low quality of evidence. Previous clinical and fundamental research suggest that MBIs have a promising potential in addiction medicine. However, further investigation of whether MBIs effectively reduce craving is needed, and innovative solutions for resolving methodological limitations in MBI research are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration ID CRD42020221141.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Demina
- Dijon University Hospital, Bâtiment Marion 14 rue Paul Gaffarel, 21079, BP77908, Dijon Cedex, France.
- INSERM U1093, CAPS, Université de Bourgogne, UFR STAPS, BP 27877, F-21078, Dijon, France.
| | - Benjamin Petit
- Dijon University Hospital, Bâtiment Marion 14 rue Paul Gaffarel, 21079, BP77908, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Vincent Meille
- Dijon University Hospital, Bâtiment Marion 14 rue Paul Gaffarel, 21079, BP77908, Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Benoit Trojak
- Dijon University Hospital, Bâtiment Marion 14 rue Paul Gaffarel, 21079, BP77908, Dijon Cedex, France
- INSERM U1093, CAPS, Université de Bourgogne, UFR STAPS, BP 27877, F-21078, Dijon, France
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21
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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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22
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Sakuragi M, Shinagawa K, Terasawa Y, Umeda S. Effect of subconscious changes in bodily response on thought shifting in people with accurate interoception. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16651. [PMID: 37789067 PMCID: PMC10547779 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43861-w] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Our thought states shift from one state to another from moment to moment. The relationship between the thought shifting and bodily responses is yet to be directly examined. This exploratory study examined the influence of cardiovascular reactivity and interoception-sensing an internal bodily state-on the shifting of thought states. Participants (N = 100, 70 women) completed two tasks: the heartbeat counting task (HCT) and the vigilance task (VT). We assessed their interoceptive accuracy through their performance on the HCT. The VT was a simple sustained attention task in which participants pressed a key when the target stimulus appeared and were asked to report their thoughts. We presented subliminal vibration stimuli to induce alterations in heart rate (i.e., vibration block). Results showed that participants with higher interoceptive accuracy reported more continuation of self-referential thought (about past episodes and future plans regarding themselves) during the vibration block than did those with lower interoceptive accuracy. These results suggest that individuals with higher interoceptive accuracy are more likely to be influenced by their subliminal bodily response, resulting in divergent attention from the task and intermittent self-referential thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Sakuragi
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Human Relations, Keio University, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan.
| | - Kazushi Shinagawa
- Keio University Global Research Institute, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan
| | - Yuri Terasawa
- Keio University Global Research Institute, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Letters, Keio University, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan
| | - Satoshi Umeda
- Keio University Global Research Institute, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Letters, Keio University, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan
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23
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Bruner E. Cognitive Archeology and the Attentional System: An Evolutionary Mismatch for the Genus Homo. J Intell 2023; 11:183. [PMID: 37754912 PMCID: PMC10532831 DOI: 10.3390/jintelligence11090183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain evolution is a key topic in evolutionary anthropology. Unfortunately, in this sense the fossil record can usually support limited anatomical and behavioral inferences. Nonetheless, information from fossil species is, in any case, particularly valuable, because it represents the only direct proof of cerebral and behavioral changes throughout the human phylogeny. Recently, archeology and psychology have been integrated in the field of cognitive archeology, which aims to interpret current cognitive models according to the evidence we have on extinct human species. In this article, such evidence is reviewed in order to consider whether and to what extent the archeological record can supply information regarding changes of the attentional system in different taxa of the human genus. In particular, behavioral correlates associated with the fronto-parietal system and working memory are employed to consider recent changes in our species, Homo sapiens, and a mismatch between attentional and visuospatial ability is hypothesized. These two functional systems support present-moment awareness and mind-wandering, respectively, and their evolutionary unbalance can explain a structural sensitivity to psychological distress in our species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Bruner
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Paseo Sierra de Atapuerca 3, 09002 Burgos, Spain
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24
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Giacometti Giordani L, Crisafulli A, Cantarella G, Avenanti A, Ciaramelli E. The role of posterior parietal cortex and medial prefrontal cortex in distraction and mind-wandering. Neuropsychologia 2023; 188:108639. [PMID: 37422183 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108639] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Distraction reflects a drift of attention away from the task at hand towards task-irrelevant external or internal information (mind-wandering). The right posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are known to mediate attention to external information and mind-wandering, respectively, but it is not clear whether they support each process selectively or rather they play similar roles in supporting both. In this study, participants performed a visual search task including salient color singleton distractors before and after receiving cathodal (inhibitory) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the right PPC, the mPFC, or sham tDCS. Thought probes assessed the intensity and contents of mind-wandering during visual search. The results show that tDCS to the right PPC but not mPFC reduced the attentional capture by the singleton distractor during visual search. tDCS to both mPFC and PPC reduced mind-wandering, but only tDCS to the mPFC specifically reduced future-oriented mind-wandering. These results suggest that the right PPC and mPFC play a different role in directing attention towards task-irrelevant information. The PPC is involved in both external and internal distraction, possibly by mediating the disengagement of attention from the current task and its reorienting to salient information, be this a percept or a mental content (mind-wandering). By contrast, the mPFC uniquely supports mind-wandering, possibly by mediating the endogenous generation of future-oriented thoughts capable to draw attention inward, away from ongoing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Crisafulli
- Centre for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Cesena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cantarella
- Centre for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Cesena, Italy; Department of Psychology 'Renzo Canestrari', University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Centre for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Cesena, Italy; Department of Psychology 'Renzo Canestrari', University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Ciaramelli
- Centre for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Cesena, Italy; Department of Psychology 'Renzo Canestrari', University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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25
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Panda R, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Piarulli A, Annen J, Demertzi A, Alnagger N, Chennu S, Laureys S, Faymonville ME, Gosseries O. Altered Brain Connectivity and Network Topological Organization in a Non-ordinary State of Consciousness Induced by Hypnosis. J Cogn Neurosci 2023; 35:1394-1409. [PMID: 37315333 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_02019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hypnosis has been shown to be of clinical utility; however, its underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate altered brain dynamics during the non-ordinary state of consciousness induced by hypnosis. We studied high-density EEG in 9 healthy participants during eyes-closed wakefulness and during hypnosis, induced by a muscle relaxation and eyes fixation procedure. Using hypotheses based on internal and external awareness brain networks, we assessed region-wise brain connectivity between six ROIs (right and left frontal, right and left parietal, upper and lower midline regions) at the scalp level and compared across conditions. Data-driven, graph-theory analyses were also carried out to characterize brain network topology in terms of brain network segregation and integration. During hypnosis, we observed (1) increased delta connectivity between left and right frontal, as well as between right frontal and parietal regions; (2) decreased connectivity for alpha (between right frontal and parietal and between upper and lower midline regions) and beta-2 bands (between upper midline and right frontal, frontal and parietal, also between upper and lower midline regions); and (3) increased network segregation (short-range connections) in delta and alpha bands, and increased integration (long-range connections) in beta-2 band. This higher network integration and segregation was measured bilaterally in frontal and right parietal electrodes, which were identified as central hub regions during hypnosis. This modified connectivity and increased network integration-segregation properties suggest a modification of the internal and external awareness brain networks that may reflect efficient cognitive-processing and lower incidences of mind-wandering during hypnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jitka Annen
- University of Liège, Belgium
- University Hospital of Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Naji Alnagger
- University of Liège, Belgium
- University Hospital of Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Steven Laureys
- University of Liège, Belgium
- University Hospital of Liège, Belgium
- Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Olivia Gosseries
- University of Liège, Belgium
- University Hospital of Liège, Belgium
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26
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Chidharom M, Bonnefond A. Mind-wandering does not always rhyme with proactive functioning! Changes in the temporal dynamics of the mPFC-mediated theta oscillations during moments of mind-wandering. Biol Psychol 2023; 181:108598. [PMID: 37269897 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108598] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The reduced engagement of the cognitive control network has been documented widely during mind-wandering (MW). However, it remains unknown how MW affects the neural dynamics of cognitive control processes. From this perspective, we explored neural dynamics mediated by the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Their engagement can be both transient (or reactive) and anticipated (or proactive). A total of fortyseven healthy subjects (37 females) were engaged in a long-lasting sustained-attention Go/NoGo task. Subjective probes were used to detect MW episodes. Channel-based EEG time-frequency analysis was performed to measure the theta oscillations, an index of the mPFC activity. The theta oscillations were computed immediately after conflictual NoGo trials to explore the reactive engagement of the mPFC. Proactive control was measured on the Go trials preceded the NoGo. Behaviorally, periods of MW were associated with an increase in errors and in RT variability in comparison to on-task periods. The analysis of the frontal midline theta power (MFθ) revealed that MW periods were associated with lower anticipated/proactive engagement and similar transient/reactive engagement of mPFC-mediated processes. Moreover, the communication between the mPFC and the DLPFC, as revealed by the poorer theta synchronization between these two regions, was also impaired during MW periods. Our results provide new insights about performance impairment during MW. They could be an important step in improving the existing understanding of the altered performances that are reported for some disorders that are known to be associated with excessive MW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Chidharom
- Department of Psychology, Lehigh University, Bethlehem 18015, PA, USA; INSERM U1114, Strasbourg 67085, France; University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67081, France.
| | - Anne Bonnefond
- INSERM U1114, Strasbourg 67085, France; University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67081, France
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27
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Zhang J, Raya J, Morfini F, Urban Z, Pagliaccio D, Yendiki A, Auerbach RP, Bauer CCC, Whitfield-Gabrieli S. Reducing default mode network connectivity with mindfulness-based fMRI neurofeedback: a pilot study among adolescents with affective disorder history. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2540-2548. [PMID: 36991135 PMCID: PMC10611577 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02032-z] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents experience alarmingly high rates of major depressive disorder (MDD), however, gold-standard treatments are only effective for ~50% of youth. Accordingly, there is a critical need to develop novel interventions, particularly ones that target neural mechanisms believed to potentiate depressive symptoms. Directly addressing this gap, we developed mindfulness-based fMRI neurofeedback (mbNF) for adolescents that aims to reduce default mode network (DMN) hyperconnectivity, which has been implicated in the onset and maintenance of MDD. In this proof-of-concept study, adolescents (n = 9) with a lifetime history of depression and/or anxiety were administered clinical interviews and self-report questionnaires, and each participant's DMN and central executive network (CEN) were personalized using a resting state fMRI localizer. After the localizer scan, adolescents completed a brief mindfulness training followed by a mbNF session in the scanner wherein they were instructed to volitionally reduce DMN relative to CEN activation by practicing mindfulness meditation. Several promising findings emerged. First, mbNF successfully engaged the target brain state during neurofeedback; participants spent more time in the target state with DMN activation lower than CEN activation. Second, in each of the nine adolescents, mbNF led to significantly reduced within-DMN connectivity, which correlated with post-mbNF increases in state mindfulness. Last, a reduction of within-DMN connectivity mediated the association between better mbNF performance and increased state mindfulness. These findings demonstrate that personalized mbNF can effectively and non-invasively modulate the intrinsic networks associated with the emergence and persistence of depressive symptoms during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahe Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Jovicarole Raya
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Francesca Morfini
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zoi Urban
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David Pagliaccio
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Anastasia Yendiki
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Randy P Auerbach
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Division of Clinical Developmental Neuroscience, Sackler Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Clemens C C Bauer
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Susan Whitfield-Gabrieli
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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28
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Savanth AS, PA V, Nair AK, Kutty BM. Differences in brain connectivity of meditators during assessing neurocognition via gamified experimental logic task: A machine learning approach. Neuroradiol J 2023; 36:305-314. [PMID: 36178411 PMCID: PMC10268101 DOI: 10.1177/19714009221129574] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meditation practices increase attention, memory, and self-awareness. The neuroscientific study of meditation has helped gain useful insights into the functional changes in the brain. In this study, we have assessed the performance of meditators with different years of practice while performing an engaging task rather than studying the meditation practice itself. This task helps assess many neural processes simultaneously and represents task performance in presence of multiple audio-visual distractors as in a real-life scenario. The long-term practice of meditation could bring neuroplastic changes in the way cognitive processing is carried out. It could be conscious and effortful in short-term practitioners and relatively unconscious and effortless in long-term practitioners. Our goal is to understand if it is possible to differentiate between long-term and short-term meditators solely based on their cognitive processing. A group of proficient Rajayoga meditators from the Brahma Kumaris were recruited based on their meditation experience-Long-Term Practitioners (n = 12, mean 13,596 h) and Short-Term Practitioners (n = 10, mean 1095 h). A task-based functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging was acquired while the subjects performed the task. Functional Connectivity Analysis was performed to derive the correlation measures to be used as features for classification. Five supervised Machine Learning algorithms Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosted Tree were used for classification. Among all the classifiers Gradient Boosted Tree performed the best with an accuracy of 77% when all the four Functional Connectivity Metrics were used. Connectivity in visual areas, cerebellum, left rostral prefrontal cortex, and middle frontal gyrus was found to be higher in long-term meditators. Such a classification demonstrates that long-term meditation practice brings about neuroplastic changes that influence cognitive processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini S Savanth
- Department of ECE, BNMIT, Bangalore and Affiliated to VTU, Belagavi, India
| | - Vijaya PA
- Department of ECE, BNMIT, Bangalore and Affiliated to VTU, Belagavi, India
| | - Ajay K Nair
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bindu M Kutty
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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29
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Lin Y, Su Y. The concurrent and longitudinal impact of sleep on mind wandering in early adolescents. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2023; 33:431-446. [PMID: 36414409 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Mind wandering refers to task-unrelated thoughts that can interfere with ongoing tasks and could be sleep-driven across childhood. The present study investigated the mechanisms of the association between early adolescents' sleep and mind wandering with emotional symptoms and executive function as potential mediators. A total of 257 early adolescents (baseline aged 9-13 years old; 131 boys) completed the questionnaires consisting of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, mind wandering, depression and anxiety symptoms, and executive function. Cross-sectional and longitudinal data revealed a sequential mediation pathway of emotional symptoms and executive function in the association between sleep and mind wandering. The mediating effect of emotional symptoms in the link between sleep quality and mind wandering was significant among boys but not girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Lin
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjie Su
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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30
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Liu Y, Hou Y, Quan H, Zhao D, Zhao J, Cao B, Pang Y, Chen H, Lei X, Yuan H. Mindfulness Training Improves Attention: Evidence from Behavioral and Event-related Potential Analyses. Brain Topogr 2023; 36:243-254. [PMID: 36697933 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-00938-z] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation helps to improve attentional capacity. However, the neural correlates that indicate the mechanism through which mindfulness improves attention are unclear. To address this gap, we aimed to assess the effects of mindfulness training on sustained attentional capacity. Event-related potentials (ERPs) associated with the modified sustained attention response task (mSART) were used in this study. A total of 45 college students were randomly assigned to either the mindfulness group (n = 21) or the control group (n = 24). Participants in the mindfulness group received a three-week mindfulness training. The self-report results showed that the mindfulness group reported higher mindfulness scores (observing and non-judgment of inner experiences) after the training. The mindfulness group also scored lower on the state anxiety than the control group. Behavioral results also showed that self-caught mind wandering in the mindfulness group significantly decreased after the training, and the mindfulness group showed a faster response after the training. The ERP results showed that N2 amplitudes in the post-test were significantly greater than those in the pre-test in the mindfulness group. We did not find any interactions between group and time for P3. The findings suggest that mindfulness training can effectively improve sustained attentional capacity, as indicated by reduced mind wandering and increased N2 responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, 400715, Beibei, Chongqing, China. .,School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, 400715, Beibei, Chongqing, China.,School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huan Quan
- Department of Psychology, Wichita State University, 67260, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - Dongfang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, 400715, Beibei, Chongqing, China.,School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, 400715, Beibei, Chongqing, China.,School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, 400715, Beibei, Chongqing, China.,School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yazhi Pang
- School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, 400715, Beibei, Chongqing, China.,School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xu Lei
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, 400715, Beibei, Chongqing, China.,School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, 400715, Beibei, Chongqing, China. .,School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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31
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Godwin CA, Smith DM, Schumacher EH. Beyond mind wandering: Performance variability and neural activity during off-task thought and other attention lapses. Conscious Cogn 2023; 108:103459. [PMID: 36709724 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2022.103459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
To study the characteristics of attention lapses, a metronome response task and experience sampling were employed while recording fMRI data. Thought prompts queried several attention states (on-task, task-related interference, off-task, inattention). Off-task thoughts were probed on whether they arose in a spontaneous or constrained (i.e., directed) manner. Increased fMRI activation was observed in the default mode network during off-task thought and in subregions of the anterior cingulate cortex and inferior frontal gyrus during inattention. Activation also increased in the left hippocampus during constrained thoughts. Functional connectivity increased between the left superior temporal sulcus and right temporoparietal junction for constrained compared to spontaneous thoughts. Overall, behavioral results indicated a monotonic increase in performance variability from on-task to inattention. However, subtle but consistent differences were observed between self-reported attention state and performance. Results are discussed from perspectives of mind wandering frameworks, the function of brain networks, and the role of engagement in off-task thought.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derek M Smith
- School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA; Department of Neurology, Division of Cognitive Neurology/Neuropsychology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
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32
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Stoliker D, Novelli L, Vollenweider FX, Egan GF, Preller KH, Razi A. Effective Connectivity of Functionally Anticorrelated Networks Under Lysergic Acid Diethylamide. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:224-232. [PMID: 36270812 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Classic psychedelic-induced ego dissolution involves a shift in the sense of self and a blurring of the boundary between the self and the world. A similar phenomenon is identified in psychopathology and is associated with the balance of anticorrelated activity between the default mode network, which directs attention inward, and the salience network, which recruits the dorsal attention network to direct attention outward. METHODS To test whether changes in anticorrelated networks underlie the peak effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), we applied dynamic causal modeling to infer effective connectivity of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans from a study of 25 healthy adults who were administered 100 μg of LSD or placebo. RESULTS We found that inhibitory effective connectivity from the salience network to the default mode network became excitatory, and inhibitory effective connectivity from the default mode network to the dorsal attention network decreased under the peak effect of LSD. CONCLUSIONS The effective connectivity changes we identified may reflect diminution of the functional anticorrelation between resting-state networks that may be a key neural mechanism of LSD and underlie ego dissolution. Our findings suggest that changes to the sense of self and subject-object boundaries across different states of consciousness may depend upon the organized balance of effective connectivity of resting-state networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Stoliker
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Leonardo Novelli
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adeel Razi
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom; CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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33
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He J, Li X, Wang H, Xu Z. A study on the relationship between mindfulness and work performance of web editors: Based on the chain mediating effect of workplace spirituality and digital competencies. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1068735. [PMID: 36814888 PMCID: PMC9940765 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1068735] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Based on the job demands-resources model, this study aims to explore the relationship between mindfulness in web editors, work performance, workplace spirituality, and digital competencies. Methods Online data from the Tencent Questionnaire Platform was used to examine the proposed research model. We distributed questionnaires to new media companies, and a total of 431 valid questionnaires were collected. Results and Discussion The results suggested that mindfulness in web editors can improve workplace spirituality, digital competencies, and work performance. In addition, workplace spirituality was found to act as a mediator between mindfulness and work performance. And, digital competencies did not play a mediating role between mindfulness and work performance, but workplace spirituality and digital competencies played a chain mediating role between mindfulness and work performance. The study explained the internal impact mechanism of mindfulness on work performance in web editors, and proposed methods to improve mindfulness, revealing the chain mediating role of workplace spirituality and digital competencies in the impact of mindfulness on work performance, which might provide new insights into existing research. It can provide a reference for new media companies to manage the team of web editors and improve the work performance of web editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazi He
- The Editorial Department of Periodicals, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, China
| | - Xinwei Li
- Faculty of International Tourism and Management, City University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China,*Correspondence: Xinwei Li,
| | - Huiyi Wang
- The School of Transmedia, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Guangzhou, China,Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, City University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China,Huiyi Wang,
| | - Zhiwu Xu
- School of Information Technology in Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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34
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Igu NCN, Ogba FN, Eze UN, Binuomote MO, Elom CO, Nwinyinya E, Ugwu JI, Ekeh DO. Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy with yoga in reducing job stress among university lecturers. Front Psychol 2023; 13:950969. [PMID: 36687866 PMCID: PMC9849775 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.950969] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Job stress is highly prevalent in the workforce worldwide, and tends to threaten employees' physical and mental wellbeing, reducing organizational outcomes. The negative impacts of workplace stress on academics have been found to disproportionately interfere with both institutional research productivity and students' learning outcomes. This study analyzed data from a randomized control trial, to validate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy combined with yoga in treating job-related stress among lecturers from two Universities in South-East, Nigeria. Methods Participants included 93 academic staff members from two Federal Universities in Enugu and Ebonyi States in Nigeria. We assigned participants to Y-CBT (N = 46) and waitlist control (N = 47) groups using random sampling techniques. A 2-h Y-CBT program was delivered weekly for a period of 12 weeks. Two instruments were used to collect data for the study. Single Item Stress Questionnaire (SISQ) was employed to identify the potential participants, while the teachers' Stress Inventory (TSI) was served for data collection at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up tests. Mean, standard deviations, t-test, statistics, and repeated measures Analysis of Variance, were used to analyze data for the study. Results Results revealed that the perception of stressors and stress symptoms reduced significantly at post-test and follow-up assessments following Y-CBT intervention. Discussion and conclusion The outcomes of this study support the prior that Y-CBT is valuable for harmonizing mind and body for a stable psychological state. The conclusion was that Y-CBT can minimize the perception of stressors and stress manifestation among university lecturers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ntasiobi C. N. Igu
- Department of Educational Administration, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Francisca N. Ogba
- Department of Educational Administration, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Uchenna N. Eze
- Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Michael O. Binuomote
- Department of Technical and Vocational Education, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Chinyere O. Elom
- Department of Educational Administration, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Emeka Nwinyinya
- Department of Educational Administration, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Joy I. Ugwu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria,*Correspondence: Joy I. Ugwu,
| | - David O. Ekeh
- Department of Educational Administration, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki, Nigeria
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35
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Chen L, Liu X, Weng X, Huang M, Weng Y, Zeng H, Li Y, Zheng D, Chen C. The Emotion Regulation Mechanism in Neurotic Individuals: The Potential Role of Mindfulness and Cognitive Bias. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:896. [PMID: 36673652 PMCID: PMC9858632 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20020896] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuroticism is a personality trait that impacts daily life and raises the risk of mental problems and physical illnesses. To understand the emotion regulation mechanism of neurotic individuals, we developed two complementary studies to examine the effects of mindfulness and negative cognitive bias. In Study 1, four scales (EPQ-RSC, FFMQ, CERQ, NCPBQ) were used for assessment. Correlation analysis and structural comparison showed that: (1) the level of neuroticism was positively correlated with negative emotion regulation; (2) negative cognitive bias mediated the relationship between neuroticism and emotion regulation; (3) mindfulness and negative cognitive bias mediated the relationship in a chain. Study 1 showed that cognitive bias may play a key role in the emotion regulation mechanism. Study 2 further explored the cognitive bias of neurotic individuals using three behavioral experiments. A mixed-design ANOVA indicated that individuals with high neuroticism levels exhibited negative attention, memory, and interpretation biases. Our findings extend previous research on emotion regulation problems of neurotic individuals and broaden the field to personality-based emotion disorders. In particular, a theoretical rationale is provided for the application of cognitive behavioral therapy, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), to the emotion regulation of neurotic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences (South China Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiqin Liu
- School of Foreign Languages, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Xiangrun Weng
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences (South China Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Mingzhu Huang
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences (South China Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yuhan Weng
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences (South China Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Haoran Zeng
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences (South China Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yifan Li
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences (South China Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Danna Zheng
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences (South China Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Caiqi Chen
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences (South China Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
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36
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Woollacott M, Shumway-Cook A, Renesch J. Reflections on extraordinary knowing: Insight into the nature of the mind. Explore (NY) 2022:S1550-8307(22)00215-4. [PMID: 36581541 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2022.12.003] [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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Scientists have spent considerable time and effort studying and mapping the geography of the brain, with the expectation that this understanding will lead to insights related to the nature of the mind. This article discusses evidence that, while the mind utilizes sensory information processed by the brain, awareness is not limited to these structures. Research studies give evidence supporting the mind's ability to expand awareness to include perception of objects and events not available to the five senses. This awareness also extends to moments in the future, including the mind's ability to access information seconds or even days in advance of the occurrence. A major brain filter that limits this capacity for expanded awareness is the Default Mode Network (DMN). We summarize research showing that when the DMN activity is reduced, e.g., through meditation, ingestion of neuromodulatory drugs, or NDEs, filtering within the brain is reduced, there is a concomitant development of new connectivity, and these neural changes are correlated with access to expanded awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Shumway-Cook
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, USA
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37
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Weder BJ. Mindfulness in the focus of the neurosciences - The contribution of neuroimaging to the understanding of mindfulness. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:928522. [PMID: 36325155 PMCID: PMC9622333 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.928522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness affects human levels of experience by facilitating the immediate and impartial perception of phenomena, including sensory stimulation, emotions, and thoughts. Mindfulness is now a focus of neuroimaging, since technical and methodological developments in magnetic resonance imaging have made it possible to observe subjects performing mindfulness tasks. OBJECTIVE We set out to describe the association between mental processes and characteristics of mindfulness, including their specific cerebral patterns, as shown in structural and functional neuroimaging studies. METHODS We searched the MEDLINE databank of references and abstracts on life sciences and biomedical topics via PubMed using the keywords: "mindfulness," "focused attention (FA)," "open monitoring (OM)," "mind wandering," "emotional regulation," "magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)" and "default mode network (DMN)." This review extracted phenomenological experiences across populations with varying degrees of mindfulness training and correlated these experiences with structural and functional neuroimaging patterns. Our goal was to describe how mindful behavior was processed by the constituents of the default mode network during specific tasks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Depending on the research paradigm employed to explore mindfulness, investigations of function that used fMRI exhibited distinct activation patterns and functional connectivities. Basic to mindfulness is a long-term process of learning to use meditation techniques. Meditators progress from voluntary control of emotions and subjective preferences to emotional regulation and impartial awareness of phenomena. As their ability to monitor perception and behavior, a metacognitive skill, improves, mindfulness increases self-specifying thoughts governed by the experiential phenomenological self and reduces self-relational thoughts of the narrative self. The degree of mindfulness (ratio of self-specifying to self-relational thoughts) may affect other mental processes, e.g., awareness, working memory, mind wandering and belief formation. Mindfulness prevents habituation and the constant assumptions associated with mindlessness. Self-specifying thinking during mindfulness and self-relational thinking in the narrative self relies on the default mode network. The main constituents of this network are the dorsal and medial prefrontal cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex. These midline structures are antagonistic to self-specifying and self-relational processes, since the predominant process determines their differential involvement. Functional and brain volume changes indicate brain plasticity, mediated by mental training over the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno J. Weder
- Support Centre for Advanced Neuroimaging (SCAN), Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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38
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Cooper AC, Ventura B, Northoff G. Beyond the veil of duality-topographic reorganization model of meditation. Neurosci Conscious 2022; 2022:niac013. [PMID: 36237370 PMCID: PMC9552929 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meditation can exert a profound impact on our mental life, with proficient practitioners often reporting an experience free of boundaries between a separate self and the environment, suggesting an explicit experience of "nondual awareness." What are the neural correlates of such experiences and how do they relate to the idea of nondual awareness itself? In order to unravel the effects that meditation has on the brain's spatial topography, we review functional magnetic resonance imaging brain findings from studies specific to an array of meditation types and meditator experience levels. We also review findings from studies that directly probe the interaction between meditation and the experience of the self. The main results are (i) decreased posterior default mode network (DMN) activity, (ii) increased central executive network (CEN) activity, (iii) decreased connectivity within posterior DMN as well as between posterior and anterior DMN, (iv) increased connectivity within the anterior DMN and CEN, and (v) significantly impacted connectivity between the DMN and CEN (likely a nonlinear phenomenon). Together, these suggest a profound organizational shift of the brain's spatial topography in advanced meditators-we therefore propose a topographic reorganization model of meditation (TRoM). One core component of the TRoM is that the topographic reorganization of DMN and CEN is related to a decrease in the mental-self-processing along with a synchronization with the more nondual layers of self-processing, notably interoceptive and exteroceptive-self-processing. This reorganization of the functionality of both brain and self-processing can result in the explicit experience of nondual awareness. In conclusion, this review provides insight into the profound neural effects of advanced meditation and proposes a result-driven unifying model (TRoM) aimed at identifying the inextricably tied objective (neural) and subjective (experiential) effects of meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Clinton Cooper
- Integrated Program of Neuroscience, Room 302, Irving Ludmer Building, 1033 Pine Avenue W., McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Bianca Ventura
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Georg Northoff
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Mental Health Center, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
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39
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Shi D, Geng F, Hao X, Huang K, Hu Y. Relations between physical activity and hippocampal functional connectivity: Modulating role of mind wandering. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:950893. [PMID: 36262959 PMCID: PMC9573939 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.950893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity is critical for maintaining cognitive and brain health. Previous studies have indicated that the effect of physical activity on cognitive and brain function varies between individuals. The present study aimed to examine whether mind wandering modulated the relations between physical activity and resting-state hippocampal functional connectivity. A total of 99 healthy adults participated in neuroimaging data collection as well as reported their physical activity in the past week and their propensity to mind wandering during typical activities. The results indicated that mind wandering was negatively related to the resting-state functional connectivity between hippocampus and right inferior occipital gyrus. Additionally, for participants with higher level of mind wandering, physical activity was negatively related to hippocampal connectivity at left precuneus and right precentral gyrus. In contrast, such relations were positive at right medial frontal gyrus and bilateral precentral gyrus for participants with lower level of mind wandering. Altogether, these findings indicated that the relations between physical activity and hippocampal functional connectivity vary as a function of mind wandering level, suggesting that individual differences are important to consider when we aim to maintain or improve cognitive and brain health through increasing physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donglin Shi
- Department of Curriculum and Learning Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengji Geng
- Department of Curriculum and Learning Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Fengji Geng,
| | - Xiaoxin Hao
- Department of Curriculum and Learning Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kejie Huang
- College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuzheng Hu
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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40
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Stoliker D, Egan GF, Friston KJ, Razi A. Neural Mechanisms and Psychology of Psychedelic Ego Dissolution. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:876-917. [PMID: 36786290 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies of psychedelics have advanced our understanding of hierarchical brain organization and the mechanisms underlying their subjective and therapeutic effects. The primary mechanism of action of classic psychedelics is binding to serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Agonist activity at these receptors leads to neuromodulatory changes in synaptic efficacy that can have a profound effect on hierarchical message-passing in the brain. Here, we review the cognitive and neuroimaging evidence for the effects of psychedelics: in particular, their influence on selfhood and subject-object boundaries-known as ego dissolution-surmised to underwrite their subjective and therapeutic effects. Agonism of 5-HT2A receptors, located at the apex of the cortical hierarchy, may have a particularly powerful effect on sentience and consciousness. These effects can endure well after the pharmacological half-life, suggesting that psychedelics may have effects on neural plasticity that may play a role in their therapeutic efficacy. Psychologically, this may be accompanied by a disarming of ego resistance that increases the repertoire of perceptual hypotheses and affords alternate pathways for thought and behavior, including those that undergird selfhood. We consider the interaction between serotonergic neuromodulation and sentience through the lens of hierarchical predictive coding, which speaks to the value of psychedelics in understanding how we make sense of the world and specific predictions about effective connectivity in cortical hierarchies that can be tested using functional neuroimaging. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Classic psychedelics bind to serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Their agonist activity at these receptors leads to neuromodulatory changes in synaptic efficacy, resulting in a profound effect on information processing in the brain. Here, we synthesize an abundance of brain imaging research with pharmacological and psychological interpretations informed by the framework of predictive coding. Moreover, predictive coding is suggested to offer more sophisticated interpretations of neuroimaging findings by bridging the role between the 5-HT2A receptors and large-scale brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Stoliker
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
| | - Karl J Friston
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
| | - Adeel Razi
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
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41
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Ganesan S, Beyer E, Moffat B, Van Dam NT, Lorenzetti V, Zalesky A. Focused attention meditation in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional functional MRI studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104846. [PMID: 36067965 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Meditation trains the mind to focus attention towards an object or experience. Among different meditation techniques, focused attention meditation is considered foundational for more advanced practices. Despite renewed interest in its functional neural correlates, there is no unified neurocognitive model of focused attention meditation developed via quantitative synthesis of contemporary literature. Hence, we performed a quantitative systematic review and meta-analysis of all functional MRI studies examining focussed attention meditation. Following PRISMA guidelines, 28 studies were included in this review, of which 10 studies (200 participants) were amenable to activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis. We found that regions comprising three key functional brain networks i.e., Default-mode, Salience, and Executive Control, were consistently implicated in focused attention meditation. Furthermore, meditation expertise, mindfulness levels and attentional skills were found to significantly influence the magnitude, but not regional extent, of activation and functional connectivity in these networks. Aggregating all evidence, we present a unified neurocognitive brain-network model of focused attention meditation.
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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.
| | - Emillie Beyer
- 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.
| | - Bradford Moffat
- Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Nicholas T Van Dam
- 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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42
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Kober SE, Ninaus M, Witte M, Buchrieser F, Grössinger D, Fischmeister FPS, Neuper C, Wood G. Triathletes are experts in self-regulating physical activity - But what about self-regulating neural activity? Biol Psychol 2022; 173:108406. [PMID: 35952864 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108406] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Regular exercise improves cognitive control abilities and successful self-regulation of physical activity. However, it is not clear whether exercising also improves the ability to self-regulate one's own brain activity. We investigated this in 26 triathletes and 25 control participants who did not exercise regularly. Within each group half of the participants performed one session of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR, 12-15 Hz) upregulation neurofeedback training, the other half received a sham neurofeedback training. The neurofeedback training session took about 45 min. In a separate session, participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate possible differences in brain structure between triathletes and controls. Triathletes and controls were able to voluntarily upregulate their SMR activity during neurofeedback when receiving real feedback. Triathletes showed a stronger increase in SMR activity in the second half of the training compared to controls, suggesting that triathletes are able to self-regulate their own brain activity over a longer period of time. Further, triathletes and controls showed differences in brain structure as reflected by larger gray and white matter volumes in the inferior frontal gyrus and insula compared to controls. These brain areas are generally involved in cognitive control mechanisms. Our results provide new evidence regarding self-regulation abilities of people who exercise regularly and might impact the practical application of neurofeedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Erika Kober
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Manuel Ninaus
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Matthias Witte
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, Germany.
| | | | | | - Florian Ph S Fischmeister
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christa Neuper
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria; Laboratory of Brain-Computer Interfaces, Institute of Neural Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.
| | - Guilherme Wood
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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43
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Amir N, Tishby N, Nelken I. A simple model of the attentional blink and its modulation by mental training. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010398. [PMID: 36037219 PMCID: PMC9462776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The attentional blink (AB) effect is the reduced probability of reporting a second target (T2) that appears shortly after a first one (T1) within a rapidly presented sequence of distractors. The AB effect has been shown to be reduced following intensive mental training in the form of mindfulness meditation, with a corresponding reduction in T1-evoked P3b brain potentials. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. We propose a dynamical-systems model of the AB, in which attentional load is described as the response of a dynamical system to incoming impulse signals. Non-task related mental activity is represented by additive noise modulated by meditation. The model provides a parsimonious computational framework relating behavioral performance, evoked brain potentials and training through the concept of reduced mental noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Amir
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Naftali Tishby
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Israel Nelken
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
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44
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Hou L, Chang L, Chen L, Fei J, Zhou R. Exploring the Roles of Dispositional Mindfulness and Cognitive Reappraisal in the Relationship Between Neuroticism and Depression Among Postgraduate Students in China. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1605074. [PMID: 36090823 PMCID: PMC9452625 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1605074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Previous studies revealed a positive association between neuroticism and depression. This study further extended the previous findings by exploring the psychological processes underlying this association among Chinese postgraduates. Guided by theoretical models and empirical research, we proposed a multiple mediation and moderated mediation model to investigate the roles of dispositional mindfulness and cognitive reappraisal in the relationship between neuroticism and depression.Methods: Using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, 1103 first-year postgraduates at a comprehensive university in China were surveyed. Path analysis was adopted to test the models.Results: The results showed that dispositional mindfulness mediated the association between neuroticism and depression. Further, this mediating effect was moderated by cognitive reappraisal, with this effect being stronger in individuals with low engagement in cognitive reappraisal.Conclusion: The results support interrelations among neuroticism, depression, dispositional mindfulness, and cognitive reappraisal as moderated mediation rather than multiple mediation. The results enhance our understanding of psychological mechanisms between neuroticism and depression and provide suggestions for interventions to prevent or reduce depression in highly neurotic postgraduates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Hou
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Lirong Chen
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Psychology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China
| | - Junfeng Fei
- Institute of Education, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Renlai Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Media Convergence and Communication, Communication University of China, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Renlai Zhou,
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45
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Bremer B, Wu Q, Mora Álvarez MG, Hölzel BK, Wilhelm M, Hell E, Tavacioglu EE, Torske A, Koch K. Mindfulness meditation increases default mode, salience, and central executive network connectivity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13219. [PMID: 35918449 PMCID: PMC9346127 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has begun to identify the neural mechanisms underlying the beneficial impact of mindfulness meditation training (MMT) on health and cognition. However, little is known about the effects of MMT on the global interplay of large-scale networks (LSNs) in the brain. In the present study, healthy, meditation-naïve adults (N = 46) underwent resting state fMRI prior to and upon completing 31 days of MMT or an active control intervention. Independent component analysis, sliding time window, and seed-based correlation analyses were performed to assess training-related changes in functional connectivity (FC) within and between networks with relevance to mindfulness meditation. Across sliding time window analyses and seed-based correlation analyses, we found increased FC between nodes of the default mode network (DMN) and nodes of the salience network (SN) in participants of the MMT. Seed-based correlation analyses revealed further connectivity increases between the SN and key regions of the central executive network (CEN). These results indicate, that, among multiple LSNs, one month of mindfulness meditation effectively increases interconnectivity between networks of the triple network model (DMN, SN, CEN), hereby introducing a potential mechanistic concept underlying the beneficial impact of MMT. Clinical trial registration: This study is listed as a clinical trial on the ISRCTN registry with trial ID ISRCTN95197731 (date of first registration: 15/02/2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Benno Bremer
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Medical Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - María Guadalupe Mora Álvarez
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Britta Karen Hölzel
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Wilhelm
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena Hell
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ebru Ecem Tavacioglu
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Alyssa Torske
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kathrin Koch
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
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Rahrig H, Vago DR, Passarelli MA, Auten A, Lynn NA, Brown KW. Meta-analytic evidence that mindfulness training alters resting state default mode network connectivity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12260. [PMID: 35851275 PMCID: PMC9293892 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15195-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This meta-analysis sought to expand upon neurobiological models of mindfulness through investigation of inherent brain network connectivity outcomes, indexed via resting state functional connectivity (rsFC). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of rsFC as an outcome of mindfulness training (MT) relative to control, with the hypothesis that MT would increase cross-network connectivity between nodes of the Default Mode Network (DMN), Salience Network (SN), and Frontoparietal Control Network (FPCN) as a mechanism of internally-oriented attentional control. Texts were identified from the databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, ERIC, PSYCINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Sciences; and were screened for inclusion based on experimental/quasi-experimental trial design and use of mindfulness-based training interventions. RsFC effects were extracted from twelve studies (mindfulness n = 226; control n = 204). Voxel-based meta-analysis revealed significantly greater rsFC (MT > control) between the left middle cingulate (Hedge's g = .234, p = 0.0288, I2 = 15.87), located within the SN, and the posterior cingulate cortex, a focal hub of the DMN. Egger's test for publication bias was nonsignificant, bias = 2.17, p = 0.162. In support of our hypothesis, results suggest that MT targets internetwork (SN-DMN) connectivity implicated in the flexible control of internally-oriented attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadley Rahrig
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA.
| | - David R Vago
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA, TN
| | - Matthew A Passarelli
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Allison Auten
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Nicholas A Lynn
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Kirk Warren Brown
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA.
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Ogihara T, Tanioka K, Hiroyasu T, Hiwa S. Predicting the Degree of Distracted Driving Based on fNIRS Functional Connectivity: A Pilot Study. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2022; 3:864938. [PMID: 38235448 PMCID: PMC10790849 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2022.864938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Distracted driving is one of the main causes of traffic accidents. By predicting the attentional state of drivers, it is possible to prevent distractions and promote safe driving. In this study, we developed a model that could predict the degree of distracted driving based on brain activity. Changes in oxyhemoglobin concentrations were measured in drivers while driving a real car using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). A regression model was constructed for each participant using functional connectivity as an explanatory variable and brake reaction time to random beeps while driving as an objective variable. As a result, we were able to construct a prediction model with the mean absolute error of 5.58 × 102 ms for the BRT of the 12 participants. Furthermore, the regression model with the highest prediction accuracy for each participant was analyzed to gain a better understanding of the neural basis of distracted driving. The 11 of 12 models that showed significant accuracy were classified into five clusters by hierarchical clustering based on their functional connectivity edges used in each cluster. The results showed that the combinations of the dorsal attention network (DAN)-sensory-motor network (SMN) and DAN-ventral attention network (VAN) connections were common in all clusters and that these networks were essential to predict the degree of distraction in complex multitask driving. They also confirmed the existence of multiple types of prediction models with different within- and between-network connectivity patterns. These results indicate that it is possible to predict the degree of distracted driving based on the driver's brain activity during actual driving. These results are expected to contribute to the development of safe driving systems and elucidate the neural basis of distracted driving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Ogihara
- Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kensuke Tanioka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Informatics, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hiroyasu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Informatics, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Hiwa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Informatics, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
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Can a Neandertal meditate? An evolutionary view of attention as a core component of general intelligence. INTELLIGENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2022.101668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Ken Tanaka G, Russell TA, Bittencourt J, Marinho V, Teixeira S, Hugo Bastos V, Gongora M, Ramim M, Budde H, Aprigio D, Fernando Basile L, Cagy M, Ribeiro P, Gupta DS, Velasques B. Open monitoring meditation alters the EEG gamma coherence in experts meditators: The expert practice exhibit greater right intra-hemispheric functional coupling. Conscious Cogn 2022; 102:103354. [PMID: 35636352 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2022.103354] [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: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study investigated the differences in frontoparietal EEG gamma coherence between expert meditators (EM) and naïve meditators (NM). MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of twenty-one healthy adults divided under two groups (experts meditators vs. naive-meditators), with analyzing the intra-hemispheric coherence of frontoparietal gamma oscillations by electroencephalography during the study steps: EEG resting-state 1, during the open presence meditation practice, and EEG resting-state 2. RESULTS The findings demonstrated greater frontoparietal EEG coherence in gamma for experts meditators in the Fp1-P3, F4-P4, F8-P4 electrode pairs during rest 1 and rest 2 (p ≤ 0.0083). In addition, we evidenced differences in the frontoparietal EEG coherence for expert meditators in F4-P4, F8-P4 during the meditation (p ≤ 0.0083). CONCLUSION Our results can support evidence that the connectivity of the right frontoparietal network acts as a biomarker of the enhanced Open monitoring meditation training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guaraci Ken Tanaka
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Mente Aberta, Brazilian Center for Mindfulness and Health Promotion, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tamara A Russell
- Neuroimaging Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience of King's College, London, UK
| | - Juliana Bittencourt
- Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Veiga de Almeida University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor Marinho
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil.
| | - Silmar Teixeira
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Bastos
- Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Mariana Gongora
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Ramim
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Henning Budde
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Danielle Aprigio
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Mauricio Cagy
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ribeiro
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Bioscience Department, School of Physical Education of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daya S Gupta
- College of Science and Humanities, College of Health and Pharmacy, Husson University, Bangor, USA
| | - Bruna Velasques
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Bioscience Department, School of Physical Education of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Unifying turbulent dynamics framework distinguishes different brain states. Commun Biol 2022; 5:638. [PMID: 35768641 PMCID: PMC9243255 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03576-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant advances have been made by identifying the levels of synchrony of the underlying dynamics of a given brain state. This research has demonstrated that non-conscious dynamics tend to be more synchronous than in conscious states, which are more asynchronous. Here we go beyond this dichotomy to demonstrate that different brain states are underpinned by dissociable spatiotemporal dynamics. We investigated human neuroimaging data from different brain states (resting state, meditation, deep sleep and disorders of consciousness after coma). The model-free approach was based on Kuramoto’s turbulence framework using coupled oscillators. This was extended by a measure of the information cascade across spatial scales. Complementarily, the model-based approach used exhaustive in silico perturbations of whole-brain models fitted to these measures. This allowed studying of the information encoding capabilities in given brain states. Overall, this framework demonstrates that elements from turbulence theory provide excellent tools for describing and differentiating between brain states. A unifying turbulent dynamics framework using both model-free and modelbased measures of whole-brain information provides insights into brain states.
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