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Kevin R, Todd L, Rebecca S, Hélène H. Differential effects of digital mindfulness-based interventions on creative potential and responsibility among middle school students. BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38825666 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12694] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Creativity and responsibility are enhanced by meditation among adults, but such effects have not been studied in adolescents. Moreover, the determinants of the ethical effect (such as responsibility) of meditation are unclear. AIMS To address this gap by investigating the impact of digital in-class meditation programmes in middle school, focusing on intentions (self-centred vs. responsibility-centred), on adolescents' creative potential and sense of responsibility. These intentions are operationalized by different purpose-based meditations. METHODS We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial involving 107 year 7 adolescents from six classes, assigning them to two experimental groups and an active control group. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted over an 11-week period, including a creativity (EPoC) test comprising four exercises (graphic and verbal, divergent and convergent thinking), a responsibility and a mindfulness scale. RESULTS Our findings revealed no discernible effects on divergent thinking or self-reported mindfulness. However, we observed significant differences in graphic and verbal convergent creative thinking, as well as impacting responsibility scores, between a responsibility-centred meditation group and a self-centred meditation group. Moreover, distinctions were noted between control and self-centred meditation groups and between some classes. Effect sizes indicated that the interventions had a moderate but significant impact on the variables measured. CONCLUSION Our study reveals the effectiveness of digital meditation interventions in enhancing convergent creative thinking and responsibility among middle-school students. Notably, it shed new light on the importance of meditation intentions, which may be as significant as the form of meditation itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecchi Kevin
- Department of Psychology of Development, Education and Vulnerabilities, Laboratoire DIPHE (Développement, Individu, Processus, Handicap, Education), University Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France
| | - Lubart Todd
- Université Paris Cité & Univ Gustave Eiffel, LaPEA, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Shankland Rebecca
- Department of Psychology of Development, Education and Vulnerabilities, Laboratoire DIPHE (Développement, Individu, Processus, Handicap, Education), University Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Hagège Hélène
- Unité de Recherche CeReS, UR 14922, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
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Lin Y, White ML, Viravan N, Braver TS. Parsing state mindfulness effects on neurobehavioral markers of cognitive control: A within-subject comparison of focused attention and open monitoring. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 24:527-551. [PMID: 38351398 PMCID: PMC11081826 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-024-01167-y] [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: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, scientific interest in understanding the relationship between mindfulness and cognition has accelerated. However, despite considerable investigative efforts, pervasive methodological inconsistencies within the literature preclude a thorough understanding of whether or how mindfulness influences core cognitive functions. The purpose of the current study is to provide an initial "proof-of-concept" demonstration of a new research strategy and methodological approach designed to address previous limitations. Specifically, we implemented a novel fully within-subject state induction protocol to elucidate the neurobehavioral influence of discrete mindfulness states-focused attention (FA) and open monitoring (OM), compared against an active control-on well-established behavioral and ERP indices of executive attention and error monitoring assessed during the Eriksen flanker task. Bayesian mixed modeling was used to test preregistered hypotheses pertaining to FA and OM effects on flanker interference, the stimulus-locked P3, and the response-locked ERN and Pe. Results yielded strong but unexpected evidence that OM selectively produced a more cautious and intentional response style, characterized by higher accuracy, slower RTs, and reduced P3 amplitude. Follow-up exploratory analyses revealed that trait mindfulness moderated the influence of OM, such that individuals with greater trait mindfulness responded more cautiously and exhibited higher trial accuracy and smaller P3s. Neither FA nor OM modulated the ERN or Pe. Taken together, our findings support the promise of our approach, demonstrating that theoretically distinct mindfulness states are functionally dissociable among mindfulness-naive participants and that interactive variability associated with different operational facets of mindfulness (i.e., state vs. trait) can be modeled directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Lin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Marne L White
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Natee Viravan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Todd S Braver
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Takemura N, Cheung DST, Fong DYT, Lee AWM, Lam TC, Ho JCM, Kam TY, Chik JYK, Lin CC. Comparative effect of Tai Chi and aerobic exercise on cognitive function in advanced lung cancer survivors with perceived cognitive impairment: a three-arm randomized controlled trial with mediation analysis. J Cancer Surviv 2024:10.1007/s11764-024-01607-1. [PMID: 38691272 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-024-01607-1] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer-related cognitive impairment is prevalent in metastatic lung cancer survivors. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of aerobic exercise and Tai Chi on perceived cognitive function and the mediating role of psychoneurological symptoms with perceived cognitive impairment. METHODS In a subgroup of a parent randomized clinical trial, participants who reported cognitive impairment underwent a 16-week aerobic exercise (n = 49), Tai Chi (n = 48), and control (n = 54) groups. Measures included perceived cognitive function and psychoneurological symptoms (sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression) assessed at baseline (T0), 16-week (T1), and 1 year (T2). RESULTS Participants in Tai Chi showed significant improvements compared to aerobic exercise and control groups in perceived cognitive function at T1 (AE: between-group difference, 6.52; P < 0.001; CG: 8.34; P < 0.001) and T2 (AE: between-group difference, 3.55; P = 0.05; CG: 5.94; P < 0.001). Sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression at month 12 explained 24%, 31%, 32%, and 24% of the effect of the intervention on cognitive function at month 12, respectively. Only anxiety at month 4 explained 23% of the intervention effect at month 12. CONCLUSIONS Tai Chi demonstrated beneficial effects on cognitive function in advanced lung cancer survivors with perceived cognitive impairment. Improvement in cognitive function was mediated by reducing sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the importance of addressing these symptoms in future interventions to improve cognitive function, with anxiety playing a significant role at an earlier stage. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Tai Chi is a potentially safe complementary therapeutic option for managing cognitive impairment in this vulnerable population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04119778; retrospectively registered on 8 October 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Takemura
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Denise Shuk Ting Cheung
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel Yee Tak Fong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Anne Wing Mui Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Guangdong, China
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Tai-Chung Lam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Guangdong, China
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - James Chung-Man Ho
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Tsz Yeung Kam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
| | | | - Chia-Chin Lin
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
- Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation Professor in Nursing, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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4
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Upshaw JD, Shields GS, Judah MR, Zabelina DL. Electrophysiological effects of smartphone notifications on cognitive control following a brief mindfulness induction. Biol Psychol 2024; 185:108725. [PMID: 37993083 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108725] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Smartphone use is nearly ubiquitous, with 93% of adults among economically developed countries, including the United States, Canada, Israel, and South Korea owning a smartphone (Taylor & Silver, 2019). Multiple studies have demonstrated the distracting effects of smartphone notifications on behavioral measures of cognition. Fewer studies have examined the effects of notifications on neural activity underlying higher-level cognitive processes or behavioral inductions to reduce smartphone-related distraction. Using EEG spectral frequency power densities, we assessed the effects of smartphone notifications (vs. control trials) on engagement of attentional shifting processes involved in cognitive control during a Navon Letter visual oddball task. Participants were randomly assigned to a brief mindfulness induction (N = 44) or a neutral narration control condition (N = 43). Overall, participants had lower theta-band power, but higher alpha- and beta-band power densities on target letter trials preceded by smartphone notifications. Additionally, participants in the mindfulness (vs. control) condition had a larger attention shifting oddball assessed via theta power density and theta/beta ratio (TBR) values-reflecting increased engagement of cognitive control-particularly on smartphone notification (vs. control) trials. Altogether, these results provide evidence supporting the idea that smartphone notifications can decrease activity of neural correlates of cognitive control, and offer the promise of a brief mindfulness induction to buffer against the effects of smartphone notifications on cognitive control. The findings indicate a need for further research on mindfulness inductiosn as a means to reduce potential distraction caused by smartphones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Upshaw
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Arkansas, 480 N. Campus Walk, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
| | - Grant S Shields
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Arkansas, 480 N. Campus Walk, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Matt R Judah
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Arkansas, 480 N. Campus Walk, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Darya L Zabelina
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Arkansas, 480 N. Campus Walk, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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Kummar AS, Correia H, Tan J, Fujiyama H. An 8-week compassion and mindfulness-based exposure therapy program improves posttraumatic stress symptoms. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37947043 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2929] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The persistence of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) can be debilitating. However, many people experiencing such symptoms may not qualify for or may not seek treatment. Potentially contributing to ongoing residual symptoms of PTSS is emotion dysregulation. Meanwhile, the research area of mindfulness and compassion has grown to imply emotion regulation as one of its underlying mechanisms; yet, its influence on emotion regulation in PTSS cohort is unknown. Here, we explored the potential effectiveness of an 8-week Compassion-oriented and Mindfulness-based Exposure Therapy (CoMET) for individuals with PTSS using a waitlist control design. A total of 28 individuals (27 females, age range = 18-39 years) participated in the study (17 CoMET; 11 waitlist control). Following CoMET, participants reported significant decreases in PTSS severity (from clinical to non-clinical levels), emotion dysregulation and experiential avoidance, as well as significant increases in mindfulness, self-compassion and quality of life. Electroencephalogram-based brain network connectivity analysis revealed an increase in alpha-band connectivity following CoMET in a network that includes the amygdala, suggesting that CoMET successfully induced changes in functional connectivity between brain regions that play a crucial role in emotion regulation. In sum, the current study demonstrated promising intervention outcomes of CoMET in effectively alleviating the symptoms of PTSS via enhanced emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auretta Sonia Kummar
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Correia
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Psychological Sciences, Australian College of Applied Professions, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jane Tan
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Hakuei Fujiyama
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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6
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Winkelmair A, Jansen P. The positive impact of mindfulness interventions on the explicit and implicit affective attitudes toward vegetarian foods. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1158410. [PMID: 37860298 PMCID: PMC10584318 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1158410] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The main goal of our intervention study was to investigate whether two conceptually different mindfulness interventions positively impacted the explicit and implicit affective evaluations of vegetarian foods. We included possible mediating variables (e.g., wellbeing) and related our results to the stage model of self-regulated behavioral change (SSBC). Methods We implemented a compassion and caring-based mental training (N = 31) and an adapted MBSR course (N = 34) as mindfulness interventions, and a stress-reduction course (N = 26) as the active control group. The curriculums consisted of 12 weekly group sessions á 75 min. All participants were tested pre- and post-intervention and 3 months after the last intervention session, answered questionnaires (mindfulness, compassion, wellbeing, items of the SSBC) and completed an explicit affective evaluation task and an affective priming task. Results There was an improvement in the explicit attitudes toward vegetarian foods regardless of the intervention group. In the SSBC, we found a link between the explicit attitudes toward vegetarian foods and the indicated stage in the model. Multiple regression analysis revealed social and personal norms and a vegetarian/vegan diet as the only significant predictors for goal intention in the SSBC. Conclusion The results of our study suggest that both conceptually different mindfulness interventions, as well as a stress-reduction program, have a positive impact on explicit affective attitudes toward vegetarian foods. We highlight the meaning of inner dimensions and transformation for change processes for a more sustainable diet and the role of social and personal norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annica Winkelmair
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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7
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Hagège H, Ourmi ME, Shankland R, Arboix-Calas F, Leys C, Lubart T. Ethics and Meditation: A New Educational Combination to Boost Verbal Creativity and Sense of Responsibility. J Intell 2023; 11:155. [PMID: 37623538 PMCID: PMC10455896 DOI: 10.3390/jintelligence11080155] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Both creativity and responsibility are important higher-order skills to develop to meet the challenges of the Anthropocene, and both are related to attentional states of consciousness and to ethics. Meditation is a set of practices that trains attentional and emotional regulation. A few studies have shown that different kinds of meditation can foster different kinds of creative thinking, and others have begun to investigate the effect of the combination of meditation and ethics on ethical characteristics (but not yet on creativity or precisely on responsibility, so far). Here, we present a nonrandomized trial with an active control group among second-year science university students (n = 84) to test the effect of the secular Meditation-Based Ethics of Responsibility (MBER) program on creative potential, self-reported awareness, and sense of one's own responsibility. The results show a large effect of the program on sense of one's own responsibility and convergent and divergent creative writing tasks, both in conceptual-semantic and engineering-like verbal ideation. They also suggest that convergent conceptual-semantic thinking might moderate the effect of the MBER program on the awareness and sense of one's own responsibility. This work opens up new research and educational perspectives linked to necessary behavioral changes in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Hagège
- FrED, Université de Limoges, UR 20199, 87000 Limoges, France;
| | | | - Rebecca Shankland
- Laboratoire DIPHE, Université Lumière Lyon 2, CEDEX 07, 69365 Lyon, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, CEDEX 05, 75231 Paris, France
| | | | - Christophe Leys
- CRPSI, Université libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium;
| | - Todd Lubart
- LaPEA, Université Paris Cité & Univ Gustave Eiffel, 92774 Boulogne Billancourt, France;
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8
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Hommel B. Religion and cognitive control: An event-coding approach. NEW IDEAS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.newideapsych.2023.101022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
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9
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Leng LL, Yin XC, Ng SM. Mindfulness-based intervention for clinical and subthreshold perinatal depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 122:152375. [PMID: 36841089 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES About one in four mothers will experience depression and anxiety during pregnancy and within their first year following childbirth. The meta-analysis aggregated the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the immediate post-intervention and maintenance effects of MBI on perinatal depression and anxiety. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for English-language journal articles from the first available date until Oct 27th, 2022. RESULTS Twenty-five published RCTs were identified and reviewed, with a total of 2495 perinatal women. MBI was superior to controls for clinical and subthreshold perinatal depression and anxiety. The benefit for depression reduction was stable over time and sustained to the postpartum period, but the maintenance effect on perinatal anxiety was less conclusive. Moreover, MBI's post-intervention effects on depression and anxiety were moderated by perinatal women's symptom severity. The post intervention effects were significantly greater among women in Low- and Middle-Income countries, where perinatal mental health care is less available and accessible. Greater improvement in mindfulness was also associated with a significantly larger post-intervention effect on perinatal depression. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis suggests that MBIs may complement and extend the available range of effective interventions for clinical and subthreshold perinatal depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li Leng
- The Department of Sociology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xi Can Yin
- School of Humanities, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siu Man Ng
- Social Work and Social Administration Department, The University of Hong Kong, China
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Bitton S, Chatburn A, Immink MA. The Influence of Focused Attention and Open Monitoring Mindfulness Meditation States on True and False Memory. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2023; 7:1-16. [PMID: 37363054 PMCID: PMC10061380 DOI: 10.1007/s41465-023-00259-w] [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: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous investigations into the effect of mindfulness meditation on false memory have reported mixed findings. One potential issue is that mindfulness meditation involves different styles that establish distinct cognitive control states. The present work aimed to address this issue by comparing the effects of single-session focused attention (FAM) and open monitoring (OMM) mindfulness meditation styles on true and false memory recall. Strengthened cognitive control states associated with FAM were predicted to increase true memory recall and decrease false memory recall. Conversely, weakened cognitive control established by OMM was predicted to increase false memory recall. Thirty-four meditation-naïve participants (23 females, mean age = 23.4 years, range = 18-33) first completed pre-meditation learning and recall phases of the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) task. Participants then completed a single session of FAM or OMM prior to a second, post-meditation, round of DRM task learning and recall phases with a novel word list. Finally, participants completed a recognition test with true and false memory, and distractor words. Both FAM and OMM groups demonstrated significant increase in false memory recall between pre- and post-meditation recall tests but these groups did not differ with respect to true and false memory recall and recognition. The present findings are consistent with previous reports of increased false memory arising from mindfulness meditation. Distinct cognitive control states associated with FAM and OMM states do not result in distinct true and false memory formation, at least in meditation-naïve adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bitton
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Maarten A. Immink
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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Guidotti R, D'Andrea A, Basti A, Raffone A, Pizzella V, Marzetti L. Long-Term and Meditation-Specific Modulations of Brain Connectivity Revealed Through Multivariate Pattern Analysis. Brain Topogr 2023; 36:409-418. [PMID: 36977909 PMCID: PMC10164028 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-00950-3] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies have provided evidence that extensive meditation practice modifies the functional and structural properties of the human brain, such as large-scale brain region interplay. However, it remains unclear how different meditation styles are involved in the modulation of these large-scale brain networks. Here, using machine learning and fMRI functional connectivity, we investigated how focused attention and open monitoring meditation styles impact large-scale brain networks. Specifically, we trained a classifier to predict the meditation style in two groups of subjects: expert Theravada Buddhist monks and novice meditators. We showed that the classifier was able to discriminate the meditation style only in the expert group. Additionally, by inspecting the trained classifier, we observed that the Anterior Salience and the Default Mode networks were relevant for the classification, in line with their theorized involvement in emotion and self-related regulation in meditation. Interestingly, results also highlighted the role of specific couplings between areas crucial for regulating attention and self-awareness as well as areas related to processing and integrating somatosensory information. Finally, we observed a larger involvement of left inter-hemispheric connections in the classification. In conclusion, our work supports the evidence that extensive meditation practice modulates large-scale brain networks, and that the different meditation styles differentially affect connections that subserve style-specific functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Guidotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti- Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66013, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antea D'Andrea
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti- Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66013, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessio Basti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti- Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66013, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonino Raffone
- Department of Psychology, "La Sapienza" University Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Pizzella
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti- Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66013, Chieti, Italy.
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, 66013, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Laura Marzetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti- Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66013, Chieti, Italy
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, 66013, Chieti, Italy
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12
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Zheng D, Berry DR, Brown KW. Effects of Brief Mindfulness Meditation and Compassion Meditation on Parochial Empathy and Prosocial Behavior Toward Ethnic Out-Group Members. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37362189 PMCID: PMC10040311 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02100-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Relative to the tendency to empathize with and help sociocultural in-group members, there are often social and psychological barriers to responding prosocially toward out-group members. This experiment examined the roles of mindfulness instruction and compassion instruction in fostering prosocial behavior toward an ethnic out-group (non-U.S. Arabs) relative to an ethnic in-group (U.S. residents). The study also examined whether contemplative practices would predict less parochial empathy and whether parochial empathy would mediate the relations between mindfulness/compassion and prosocial behavior toward the out-group. Method A national sample of n = 450 U.S. residents was recruited online via the Prolific platform using the standard sample function, which distributed the study to available participants on Prolific. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three brief, structurally equivalent audio-recorded instruction conditions: mindfulness meditation, compassion meditation, or a relaxation control, and then completed a series of tasks to assess prosociality toward in- and out-group members. Results The compassion training was most effective in reducing parochial empathy when controlling for all covariates. The mindfulness training reduced parochial empathy when controlling for in-group empathy, and it led to greater out-group altruism and support for out-group immigration. Parochial empathy predicted out-group altruism; however, it was not a better predictor of support for Arab immigration than trait empathic concern. Training conditions did not differ on support for out-group cause. Exploratory moderation analyses found that those with higher trait empathic concern and intergroup contact quality were more likely to show compassion training and mindfulness training effects, respectively, on support for out-group immigration. Conclusions Brief compassion training had the strongest effect on parochial empathy, but mindfulness training showed stronger effects on out-group altruism and support for out-group immigration. Predisposing social psychological characteristics may enhance intergroup prosociality among those receiving compassion or mindfulness instruction. Preregistration This study is preregistered at https://osf.io/rnc97. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-023-02100-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Zheng
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
| | - Daniel R. Berry
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, USA
| | - Kirk Warren Brown
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 806 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA
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Dovorany N, Brannick S, Johnson N, Ratiu I, LaCroix AN. Happy and sad music acutely modulate different types of attention in older adults. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1029773. [PMID: 36777231 PMCID: PMC9909555 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1029773] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the three subtypes of attention outlined by the attentional subsystems model, alerting (vigilance or arousal needed for task completion) and executive control (the ability to inhibit distracting information while completing a goal) are susceptible to age-related decline, while orienting remains relatively stable. Yet, few studies have investigated strategies that may acutely maintain or promote attention in typically aging older adults. Music listening may be one potential strategy for attentional maintenance as past research shows that listening to happy music characterized by a fast tempo and major mode increases cognitive task performance, likely by increasing cognitive arousal. The present study sought to investigate whether listening to happy music (fast tempo, major mode) impacts alerting, orienting, and executive control attention in 57 middle and older-aged adults (M = 61.09 years, SD = 7.16). Participants completed the Attention Network Test (ANT) before and after listening to music rated as happy or sad (slow tempo, minor mode), or no music (i.e., silence) for 10 min. Our results demonstrate that happy music increased alerting attention, particularly when relevant and irrelevant information conflicted within a trial. Contrary to what was predicted, sad music modulated executive control performance. Overall, our findings indicate that music written in the major mode with a fast tempo (happy) and minor mode with a slow tempo (sad) modulate different aspects of attention in the short-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dovorany
- College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Schea Brannick
- College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Nathan Johnson
- College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Ileana Ratiu
- College of Health Sciences, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States,College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Arianna N. LaCroix
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States,*Correspondence: Arianna N. LaCroix,
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O’Hare AJ, Gemelli ZT. The effects of short interventions of focused-attention vs. self-compassion mindfulness meditation on undergraduate students: Evidence from self-report, classroom performance, and ERPs. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0278826. [PMID: 36662726 PMCID: PMC9858058 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training has been shown to improve cognitive processing, wellbeing, and academic performance. However, mindfulness interventions that are integrated into non-mindfulness related courses have not been well-investigated. Further, the unique effects of different aspects of MBSR training are not as well understood. This paper examines the effects that are uniquely associated with focused-attention versus self-compassion mindfulness practices utilizing a multi-method approach. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during an Emotional Flanker task, and self-report measures of wellbeing and measures of classroom performance were collected before and after training. Participants were students in two sections of the same undergraduate course and either completed 10 weeks of focused-attention practice or self-compassion practice that was built into their class sessions. Students in the focused-attention group (mean age = 22.08) had reduced interference effects on their reaction times following the training. Students in the self-compassion group (mean age = 23.91) showed altered processing of conflict on negative trials via the N2 and P3 ERP amplitudes after the training. This group also reported significant improvements in wellbeing and performed significantly better on more class tests compared to the focused-attention group. These data support the effectiveness of incorporating brief, simplified mindfulness practices in any classroom as an intervention to improve attention, wellbeing and classroom performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminda J. O’Hare
- Department of Psychological Science, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Zachary T. Gemelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Madhira A, Srinivasan N. Letting it go: The interplay between mind wandering, mindfulness, and creativity. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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16
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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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Beyond mindfulness: Arousal-driven modulation of attentional control during arousal-based practices. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 3:100053. [PMID: 36246552 PMCID: PMC9559070 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report meditative techniques, which modulate attentional control by arousal-driven influences and not by monitoring continuous thought processes as during mindfulness-related practices. We focus on Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism) practices, during which a sequence of generation (self-visualization as a deity - Yidam) or completion with sign (inner heat -Tummo) stages necessarily precedes non-dual awareness (NDA) Tantric Mahamudra. We compared the electrocardiographic and electroencephalographic correlates of Mahamudra performed after rest (non-Tantric Mahamudra) with Mahamudra performed after Yidam (Tantric Mahamudra) in 16 highly experienced Vajrayana practitioners, 10 of whom also performed Tummo. Both Yidam and Tummo developed the state of PNS withdrawal (arousal) and phasic alertness, as reflected by HF HRV decreases and Alpha2 power increases, later neurophysiologically employed in Tantric Mahamudra. The latter led to the unique state of high cortical excitability, “non-selective” focused attention, and significantly reduced attentional control, quantified by power reductions in all frequency bands, except Theta. In contrast, similar to mindfulness-related practices, non-Tantric Mahamudra was performed in a state of PNS dominance (relaxation), tonic alertness, and active monitoring, as suggested by Alpha1 power increases and less pronounced decreases in other frequency bands. A neurobiological model of meditation is proposed, differentiating arousal-based and mindfulness-related practices. Arousal-based meditations involve the state of PNS withdrawal and phasic alertness. Top-down control during arousal-based practices is modulated by arousal. Mindfulness-based practices involve the state of PNS dominance and tonic alertness. Top-down control during mindfulness-based practices is regulated by monitoring. NDA practices aim at non-selectivity of attention and reduction of top-down control.
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O'Connor EJ, Murphy A, Kohler MJ, Chan RW, Immink MA. Instantaneous effects of mindfulness meditation on tennis return performance in elite junior athletes completing an implicitly sequenced serve return task. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:907654. [PMID: 36081619 PMCID: PMC9446240 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.907654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-session meditation augmentation of sport-specific skill performance was tested with elite junior tennis athletes. Athletes completed one of two styles of mindfulness meditation (focused-attention or open-monitoring) or a control listening condition prior to performing an implicitly sequenced tennis serve return task involving the goal of hitting a target area placed on the service court. Unbeknownst to athletes, six distinct serves followed a repeating second-order conditional sequence for two task blocks before the sequence was altered in a third transfer block. Task performance was operationalized as serve return outcome and analyzed using beta regression modeling. Models analyzed group by block differences in the proportion of returned serves (i.e., non-aces), returns placed in the service court, and target hits. Contrary to previous laboratory findings, results did not support meditation-related augmentation of performance and/or sequence learning. In fact, compared to control, meditation may have impaired performance improvements and acquisition of serve sequence information. It is possible that the effects of single-session meditation seen in laboratory research may not extend to more complex motor tasks, at least in highly-trained adolescents completing a well-learned skill. Further research is required to elucidate the participant, task, and meditation-related characteristics that might promote single-session meditation performance enhancement.
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Szabó E, Körmendi A, Kurucz G, Cropley D, Olajos T, Pataky N. Personality Traits as Predictors of Malevolent Creative Ideation in Offenders. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12070242. [PMID: 35877312 PMCID: PMC9311653 DOI: 10.3390/bs12070242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Malevolent creativity, which can be defined as creativity that is deliberately planned to damage others, is a concept that explains how the capacity to generate novel and effective outcomes (creativity) may, on occasion, be misapplied. The present study used 130 male inmates of the Oradea Maximum Security Penitentiary in Romania to explore the ability of a set of personality variables (the dark triad, self-efficacy, and self-esteem) to predict malevolent creative ideation. The findings indicate that Machiavellianism and self-efficacy were significant predictors of malevolent creative ideation in the form of lying, while only Machiavellianism was a significant predictor of malevolent creative ideation in the form of hurting people. In addition, the present study found significant differences among subgroups in the sample, with more experienced offenders showing higher levels of malevolent creative ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enikő Szabó
- Oradea Penitentiary, Parcul Traian 3, 410033 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Attila Körmendi
- Department of Personality and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Psychology, University of Debrecen, 4002 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.K.); (T.O.)
| | - Győző Kurucz
- Department of Work and Organization Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Psychology, University of Debrecen, 4002 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - David Cropley
- UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;
| | - Timea Olajos
- Department of Personality and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Psychology, University of Debrecen, 4002 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.K.); (T.O.)
| | - Nóra Pataky
- Department of Pedagogical Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Psychology, University of Debrecen, 4002 Debrecen, Hungary;
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Death anxiety as mediator of relationship between renunciation of desire and mental health as predicted by Nonself Theory. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10209. [PMID: 35715696 PMCID: PMC9206001 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present paper, we report two studies examining the relationships among renunciation of desires, death anxiety, and mental health. In the first study, we constructed the Desire Questionnaire (DQ), which measures success in renouncing certain desire. The DQ has satisfactory psychometric properties. In the second study, 501 adults from a Chinese society ranging in age from 17 to 84 years (M = 35.58, SD = 14.76) completed the DQ, the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), and the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ), which measures mental health and the presence of psychiatric symptoms. As predicted, DQ had significant negative correlations with both DAS (p < 0.05) and CHQ (p < 0.01). DAS had a significant positive correlation with CHQ (p < 0.01). In the linear mediation model, DAS was found to partially mediate the relationship between DQ and CHQ (β = - 0.18, p < 0.001). These results suggest that the negative effect of poor control of desires on mental health can be partially accounted for by death anxiety. These findings imply that training in eliminating desires can be a successful strategy to improve mental health. These results also support the Nonself Theory as a theory of death anxiety and show its relevance to the relationship between nonself and mental health.
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21
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Ueberholz RY, Fiocco AJ. The Effect of a Brief Mindfulness Practice on Perceived Stress and Sustained Attention: Does Priming Matter? Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:1757-1768. [PMID: 35693031 PMCID: PMC9167905 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01913-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of a brief mindfulness practice on perceived stress and sustained attention, and to determine whether priming the benefits of mindfulness meditation enhances this effect. Methods Two hundred and twenty undergraduate students were randomly assigned to a control condition (CC), a meditation condition (MC), or a priming + meditation condition (PMC). Baseline and post-treatment measures included subjective stress ratings on a visual analog scale (VAS) and performance on a Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART), determined by reaction time coefficient of variability (RTCV) and three measures of accuracy: correct responses, errors of commission, and errors of omission. Results Repeated measures analyses revealed that both the MC and the PMC displayed a decline in perceived stress relative to the CC. Analyses further revelated that the MC and PMC displayed fewer errors of omission relative to the CC. However, only the PMC displayed better performance relative to the CC with respect to total correct response and errors of commission. There were no significant between-group differences for RTCV. Conclusions These findings are novel and provide a foundation to further investigate the effect of priming on mindfulness engagement and its potential benefits. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-022-01913-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon Y. Ueberholz
- Institute for Stress and Wellbeing Research, Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3 Canada
| | - Alexandra J. Fiocco
- Institute for Stress and Wellbeing Research, Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3 Canada
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22
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Chen H, Liu C, Zhou F, Chiang CH, Chen YL, Wu K, Huang DH, Liu CY, Chiou WK. The Effect of Animation-Guided Mindfulness Meditation on the Promotion of Creativity, Flow and Affect. Front Psychol 2022; 13:894337. [PMID: 35719584 PMCID: PMC9204527 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.894337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Creativity is so important for social and technological development that people are eager to find an easy way to enhance it. Previous studies have shown that mindfulness has significant effects on positive affect (PA), working memory capacity, cognitive flexibility and many other aspects, which are the key to promoting creativity. However, there are few studies on the relationship between mindfulness and creativity. The mechanism between mindfulness and creativity is still uncertain. Meditation is an important method of mindfulness training, but for most people who do not have the basic training, it’s difficult to master how to get into a state of mindfulness. Animation has been shown by many studies to help improve cognition and is often used as a guiding tool. Using animation as the guiding carrier of meditation is more convenient and easier to accept. Therefore, this study adopted the intervention method of animation-guided meditation, aiming to explore: (1) the effect of animation-guided meditation on enhancing creativity; (2) the role of flow and emotion in the influence of mindfulness on creativity. We advertised recruitment through the internal network of a creative industrial park, and the final 95 eligible participants were divided into two groups: animation (n = 48) and audio (n = 47) guided meditation. The animation group was given an animated meditation intervention, and the audio group was given an audio meditation intervention, both interventions were performed 3 times a week and last for 8 weeks. Results: (1) Animation-guided meditation significantly increased participants’ mindfulness and creativity levels; Significantly reduced their cognitive load compared to audio-guided meditation. (2) Mindfulness has a significant direct effect on creativity, and significant indirect effects on creativity; Flow and PA act as the mediating variable. Conclusion: (1) Mindfulness, flow, and PA all helped to improve the subjects’ work creativity. In addition to the direct positive impact of mindfulness on creativity, mindfulness can also have an indirect positive impact on creativity through flow and PA. (2) Compared with audio, animation can significantly reduce cognitive load and help improve users’ cognitive ability, which is more suitable for the guidance materials of mindfulness meditation to enhance the effect of meditation.
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23
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Effortless training of attention and self-control: mechanisms and applications. Trends Cogn Sci 2022; 26:567-577. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Schroter FA, Jansen P. Making peace with disliked others: the effects of a short loving-kindness meditation on implicit and explicit emotional evaluations. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:110. [PMID: 35488316 PMCID: PMC9055729 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00817-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The main goal of the study was to investigate the effects of a short loving-kindness meditation (LKM) on explicit and implicit evaluations of oneself and disliked public persons. We expected a more positive explicit and implicit evaluation of oneself and a disliked public person after the LKM and a mood improvement. Methods Before and after the implementation of a short LKM vs. imagery task, mood, explicit and implicit evaluations were analyzed in 69 students. Results Our results demonstrated only a reduction in negative and positive mood in both groups and regarding the explicit and implicit tasks, only a significant main effect of picture and a trend for the time*group interaction for mood, implicit and explicit attitudes with medium effect-sizes.
Conclusions A possible influence of a short intervention on emotional evaluations should be treated with caution. The claim that a short loving-kindness meditation enhances social connectedness might awake false hopes. This study suggests being careful with the interpretation of single meditation effects and future studies should examine the effects of a long-lasting meditation training on explicit and implicit evaluations of the self and disliked politicians as well as the sustainability of those effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Petra Jansen
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Focused-Attention Meditation Improves Flow, Communication Skills, and Safety Attitudes of Surgeons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095292. [PMID: 35564687 PMCID: PMC9099589 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patient safety is a worldwide problem and a focus of academic research. Human factors and ergonomics (HFE) is an approach to improving healthcare work systems and processes. From the perspective of the cognitive ergonomics of HFE, the aim of this study is to improve the flow level, communication skills, and safety attitudes of surgeons through focused-attention meditation (FAM) training, thus helping to reduce adverse clinical events. METHODS In total, 140 surgeons were recruited from three hospitals in China and randomly divided into two groups (FAM group and control group). The FAM group received 8 weeks of FAM training, while the control group was on the waiting list and did not receive any interventions. Three scales (WOLF, LCSAS, and SAQ-C) were used to measure the data of three variables (flow, communication skills, and safety attitude), respectively, at two times, before and after the intervention (pre-test and post-test). The incidence of adverse events during the intervention was also collected for both groups. RESULTS The ANOVA results showed that all three variables had a significant main effect of time and significant interactions between time and group. The independent-sample T-test results showed that the incidence of adverse events during the intervention was significantly lower in the FAM group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The intervention of FAM could significantly improve surgeons' flow levels, communication skills, and safety attitudes, potentially helping to reduce adverse clinical events.
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Spinelli C, Ibrahim M, Khoury B. Cultivating ambiguity tolerance through mindfulness: An induction randomized controlled trial. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02597-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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A Single Session of Mindfulness Meditation Expedites Immediate Motor Memory Consolidation to Improve Wakeful Offline Learning. JOURNAL OF MOTOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1123/jmld.2022-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Posttraining meditation has been shown to promote wakeful memory stabilization of explicit motor sequence information in learners who are experienced meditators. We investigated the effect of single-session mindfulness meditation on wakeful and sleep-dependent forms of implicit motor memory consolidation in meditation naïve adults. Immediately after training with a target implicit motor sequence, participants (N = 20, eight females, 23.9 ± 3.3 years) completed either a 10-min mindfulness meditation (N = 10) or a control listening task before exposure to task interference induced by training with a novel implicit sequence. Target sequence performance was tested following 5-hr wakeful and 15-hr postsleep periods. Bayesian inference was applied to group comparisons of mean reaction time (RT) changes across training, interference, wakeful, and postsleep timepoints. Relative to control conditions, posttraining meditation reduced RT slowing between target sequence training and interference sequence introduction (BF10 [Bayes factors] = 6.61) and supported RT performance gains over the wakeful period (BF10 = 8.34). No group differences in postsleep RT performance were evident (BF10 = 0.38). These findings illustrate that posttraining mindfulness meditation expedites wakeful, but not sleep-dependent, offline learning with implicit motor sequences. Previous meditation experience is not required to obtain wakeful consolidation gains from posttraining mindfulness meditation.
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Murphy S, Donma AJ, Kohut SA, Weisbaum E, Chan JH, Plenert E, Tomlinson D. Mindfulness Practices for Children and Adolescents Receiving Cancer Therapies. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2022; 39:40-48. [PMID: 35466780 PMCID: PMC9163650 DOI: 10.1177/27527530211056514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Mindfulness is our innate capacity to pay full, conscious, and compassionate attention to something in the moment. It is also a skill that can be strengthened by mental practice. More recently, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are identified within clinical practice guidelines as an intervention in the treatment of certain symptoms for children with cancer. However, there is little guidance available on the practice of using MBIs in the pediatric oncology population. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of mindfulness, highlights symptoms where mindfulness practices may be of benefit, identifies trauma-sensitive considerations, and provides examples of MBIs that may be considered in the context of pediatric oncology. Methods: Collaboration of expert opinion, which included The Mindfulness Project Team, has enabled this collective informative paper. Results: Mindfulness has been recommended to help with the symptom of fatigue in children with cancer. Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, sadness, and anger may also benefit from the use of MBIs. Ideal MBIs for this population may include mindful movement, mindfulness of the senses, mindfulness of breath, mindfulness of emotions, and the body scan. These approaches can easily be adapted according to the age of the child. Many approaches have been administered with minimal training, with very few requiring a facilitator. However, hospitals have started to incorporate mindfulness experts within their care provision. Conclusion: Future research should continue to investigate the use of MBI programs for children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley Murphy
- Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ani Jamyang Donma
- Spiritual & Religious Care Department, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Ahola Kohut
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elli Weisbaum
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacqueline H. Chan
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Plenert
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah Tomlinson
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Schlechta Portella CF, Espósito Sorpreso IC, da Silva Menezes de Assis A, de Abreu LC, Soares JM, Baracat EC, de Araujo Moraes SDT, D’Andretta Tanaka AC. Meditation as an approach to lessen menopausal symptoms and insomnia in working women undergoing the menopausal transition period: A randomized controlled trial. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Tanaka M, Nakashima R, Hiromitsu K, Imamizu H. Individual Differences in the Change of Attentional Functions With Brief One-Time Focused Attention and Open Monitoring Meditations. Front Psychol 2021; 12:716138. [PMID: 34777095 PMCID: PMC8585987 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.716138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation is increasingly used for clinical treatment and to improve well-being. One of the most fundamental benefits of mindfulness meditation is now considered as enhanced attentional control. Mindfulness meditation is a complex technique but most of its variants consist of a combination of two types of basic meditation practice: focused attention meditation (FAM) and open monitoring meditation (OMM). Although many studies have examined the effect of relatively long-term meditation on attention, some recent studies have focused on the effect of a brief one-time meditation on cognitive processing, including attentional functions. Furthermore, it is necessary to discuss the relationship between the effect of mindfulness meditation on attentional functions and personality traits (especially traits related to mindfulness). This study investigated whether attentional control is improved by a single 30-min FAM or OMM and whether the degree of improvement in attentional functions – alerting, orienting, and conflict monitoring – induced by the meditation varies according to the participant’s trait scores related to mindfulness measured by the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups, i.e., FAM, OMM, and no-meditation (noM) groups, and given an Attentional Network Test before and after each 30-min meditation session. Compared with the noM group, there was no overall improvement in attentional functions with either type of meditation. However, there were associations between the change of the alerting function’s score and the personality traits: in the FAM group, alerting scores were negatively associated with the nonreactivity facet of the FFMQ, and in the OMM group, alerting scores were positively associated with describing facet scores of the FFMQ. The results indicate that the effects of meditation methods on attentional functions could depend on the individual’s traits related to mindfulness and that mindfulness meditation could sometimes appear to have no impact on attentional functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tanaka
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Nakashima
- Department of Intelligence Science and Technology, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,RIKEN CBS-TOYOTA Collaboration Center, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - Kentaro Hiromitsu
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Cognitive Mechanisms Laboratories, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR), Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Imamizu
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Cognitive Mechanisms Laboratories, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR), Kyoto, Japan.,Research into Artifacts, Center for Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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31
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Konjedi S, Maleeh R. The dynamic framework of mind wandering revisited: How mindful meta-awareness affects mental states' constraints. Conscious Cogn 2021; 95:103194. [PMID: 34419729 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2021.103194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic framework of mind wandering (Christoff, Irving, Fox, Spreng, & Andrews-Hanna, 2016) is reviewed and modified through integrating the construct of mindful meta-awareness. The dynamic framework maintains that mind wandering belongs to a family of spontaneous thought phenomena. The key defining feature of mind wandering is 'spontaneity' which characterizes the dynamic nature of thoughts in the framework. The argument is made that incorporating the mindful meta-awareness construct modifies the dynamic framework as follows: (1) the framework's criteria for mind wandering do not hold anymore as meta-awareness changes the relationship between thoughts and constraints, and (2) lucid dreaming can be categorized as unguided thought while at the same time being dependent on deliberate constraints. Finally, the application of this modified framework will be discussed in terms of the treatment of mental disorders related to spontaneous thought alterations, in particular depression and nightmares.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Maleeh
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Osnabrück, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany; School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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32
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Matko K, Sedlmeier P, Bringmann HC. Differential Effects of Ethical Education, Physical Hatha Yoga, and Mantra Meditation on Well-Being and Stress in Healthy Participants-An Experimental Single-Case Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:672301. [PMID: 34421729 PMCID: PMC8375679 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.672301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, yoga is a multicomponent practice consisting of postures, breathing techniques, meditation, mantras, and ethics. To date, only a few studies have tried to dismantle the effects of each of these components and their combinations. To fill this gap, we examined the incremental effects of ethical education and physical Hatha yoga on mantra meditation using a single-case multiple-baseline design. This study was part of a project evaluating the new mind-body program Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification. Fifty-seven healthy participants with no regular yoga or meditation practice were randomly assigned to three baselines (7, 14, and 21 days) and four conditions using a random number generator. The conditions were mantra meditation alone (MA), meditation plus physical yoga (MY), meditation plus ethical education (ME), and meditation plus yoga and ethical education (MYE). All the interventions lasted for 8 weeks and were run consecutively according to baseline length. During the baseline and treatment phases, participants received daily questionnaires measuring their well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and subjective experiences. Forty-two participants completed the treatment and were entered in the analyses. We analyzed our data using visual inspection, effect size estimation (Tau-U), and multilevel modeling. Almost all participants showed a longitudinal increase in well-being. Regarding between-group differences, participants who received ethical education exhibited the largest increases in well-being (Tau-U = 0.30/0.23 for ME/MYE), followed by participants in the MY condition (Tau-U = 0.12). Conversely, participants in the MA condition showed no change (Tau-U = 0.07). There was a tendency for the combined treatments to decrease stress. This tendency was strongest in the MY condition (Tau-U = -0.40) and reversed in the MA condition (Tau-U = 0.17). These results emphasize the incremental and differential effects of practicing meditation in combination with other practices from the eight-fold yoga path. This approach is valuable for better understanding the multifaceted practice of yoga. Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04252976.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Matko
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Peter Sedlmeier
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Holger C. Bringmann
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Diakoniekliniken Zschadrass, Colditz, Germany
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Waggoner M. The focus of virtue: Attention broadening in empirically informed accounts of virtue cultivation. PHILOSOPHICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09515089.2021.1959027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Waggoner
- Department of Philosophy, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Yamaya N, Tsuchiya K, Takizawa I, Shimoda K, Kitazawa K, Tozato F. Effect of one-session focused attention meditation on the working memory capacity of meditation novices: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2288. [PMID: 34343414 PMCID: PMC8413779 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have revealed that one-session focused attention meditation (FAM) can improve top-down attention control, which is one of the factors of working memory capacity (WMC). In addition, FAM shares various neural substrates, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), with WMC. Thus, we hypothesized that one-session FAM would improve WMC by activating the DLPFC evoked by the top-down attention control. In this study, we examined whether FAM modified WMC in individuals with little to no meditation experience. METHODS The participants were randomly assigned to either the FAM group (N = 13) or the control group (N = 17) who engaged in random thinking (i.e., mind-wandering). Before and after each 15-min intervention, the participants' WMC was measured according to the total number of correct answers in the Reading Span Test. During each intervention, functional near-infrared spectroscopy was employed to measure the blood flow in the participants' DLPFC and determine the top-down attention control effect. RESULTS In the FAM group, WMC increased, and the bilateral DLPFC was activated during the intervention. As for the control group, WMC decreased after the intervention, and the bilateral DLPFC was not activated during the intervention. A correlation was also found among all participants between the increase in WMC and the activation of the bilateral DLPFC. CONCLUSION The study findings suggest that top-down attention control during FAM can activate the bilateral DLPFC and increase WMC among meditation novices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriki Yamaya
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of MedicineGunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
| | - Kenji Tsuchiya
- Department of Rehabilitation SciencesGunma University Graduate School of Health SciencesMaebashiJapan
| | - Ibuki Takizawa
- Department of Occupational TherapyUmayabashi HospitalMaebashiJapan
| | - Kaori Shimoda
- Department of Rehabilitation SciencesGunma University Graduate School of Health SciencesMaebashiJapan
| | - Kazuki Kitazawa
- Department of Occupational TherapyGeriatrics Institute and HospitalMaebashiJapan
| | - Fusae Tozato
- Department of Health SciencesNagano University of Health and MedicineNaganoJapan
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Age-Related Differential Effects of School-Based Sitting and Movement Meditation on Creativity and Spatial Cognition: A Pilot Study. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8070583. [PMID: 34356562 PMCID: PMC8303844 DOI: 10.3390/children8070583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Psychophysical well-being can be supported during development by the integration of extra-curricular activities in scholastic settings. These activities can be implemented in different forms, ranging from physical activities to sitting meditation practices. Considering that both such activities are thought to affect children’s psychophysical development, a movement-based meditation that combines the two approaches−in the form of a short daily activity−could represent a powerful tool to promote healthy physical and mental development. Consequently, the current pilot study aimed to examine the effect of short daily school-based sitting and movement meditation trainings on creativity and spatial cognition. Utilizing a crossover design, we evaluated their feasibility and efficacy at different ages among children (n = 50) in 5th to 8th grade. We observed that 5 weeks of daily training in sitting and movement meditation techniques improved children’s cognition differently. Specifically, younger children showed greater creativity and better spatial cognition following the movement-based meditation, while older children showed greater enhancement in these areas following sitting meditation training. This suggests that training can affect children’s cognition differently depending on their developmental stage. We discuss these results within the framework of embodied and grounded cognition theories. Information on feasibility and age-related effect sizes derived from the current study paves the way for future well-powered larger-scale efficacy studies on different forms of school-based interventions to cognitive development promotion.
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Bashmakova I, Shcherbakova O. Just Open Your Mind? A Randomized, Controlled Study on the Effects of Meditation on Creativity. Front Psychol 2021; 12:663881. [PMID: 34276489 PMCID: PMC8285115 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.663881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Creativity is a crucial prerequisite for innovation, successful problem solving, and self-expression, but how do we affect creative thinking in a positive way? The present study investigated the effects of open monitoring meditation (OMM) on creativity. We proposed that OMM will benefit creativity in metaphor production by cognitive flexibility (CF) enhancement. In the main study, participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: meditation, active, and passive controls. The first two groups performed an audio-guided task (real meditation or a narrative on house plants) for 2 weeks, and the third one had no task. Pre- and post-tests included measures of metaphor production, CF, state, sustained attention, attention shifting, and intelligence. We found no significant intra- or intergroup differences that would suggest OMM effects on creativity. Further, no links were found between measures of metaphor creativity and CF. Findings reveal potential challenges of using meditation as a cognitive enhancement tool. Methodological issues concerning meditation research, as well as creativity and CF measures, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iana Bashmakova
- Department of General Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga Shcherbakova
- Department of General Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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37
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Lusnig L, Radach R, Hofmann MJ. Meditation affects word recognition of meditation novices. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2021; 86:723-736. [PMID: 33966104 PMCID: PMC8942899 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-021-01522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This work represents one of the first attempts to examine the effects of meditation on the processing of written single words. In the present longitudinal study, participants conducted a lexical decision task and rated the affective valence of nouns before and after a 7-week class in mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, or a control intervention. Both meditation groups rated the emotional valence of nouns more neutral after the interventions, suggesting a general down-regulation of emotions. In the loving-kindness group, positive words were rated more positively after the intervention, suggesting a specific intensification of positive feelings. After both meditation interventions, response times in the lexical decision task accelerated significantly, with the largest facilitation occurring in the loving-kindness group. We assume that meditation might have led to increased attention, better visual discrimination, a broadened attentional focus, and reduced mind-wandering, which in turn enabled accelerated word recognition. These results extend findings from a previous study with expert Zen meditators, in which we found that one session of advanced meditation can affect word recognition in a very similar way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Lusnig
- Department of Psychology, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Ralph Radach
- Department of Psychology, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Markus J Hofmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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38
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FORSTER PM. The Inner Life of An Experienced Meditator: From Shopping Lists to Awakening. SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING 2021. [DOI: 10.37898/spc.2021.6.1.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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39
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Yordanova J, Kolev V, Nicolardi V, Simione L, Mauro F, Garberi P, Raffone A, Malinowski P. Attentional and cognitive monitoring brain networks in long-term meditators depend on meditation states and expertise. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4909. [PMID: 33649378 PMCID: PMC7921394 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84325-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Meditation practice is suggested to engage training of cognitive control systems in the brain. To evaluate the functional involvement of attentional and cognitive monitoring processes during meditation, the present study analysed the electroencephalographic synchronization of fronto-parietal (FP) and medial-frontal (MF) brain networks in highly experienced meditators during different meditation states (focused attention, open monitoring and loving kindness meditation). The aim was to assess whether and how the connectivity patterns of FP and MF networks are modulated by meditation style and expertise. Compared to novice meditators, (1) highly experienced meditators exhibited a strong theta synchronization of both FP and MF networks in left parietal regions in all mediation styles, and (2) only the connectivity of lateralized beta MF networks differentiated meditation styles. The connectivity of intra-hemispheric theta FP networks depended non-linearly on meditation expertise, with opposite expertise-dependent patterns found in the left and the right hemisphere. In contrast, inter-hemispheric FP connectivity in faster frequency bands (fast alpha and beta) increased linearly as a function of expertise. The results confirm that executive control systems play a major role in maintaining states of meditation. The distinctive lateralized involvement of FP and MF networks appears to represent a major functional mechanism that supports both generic and style-specific meditation states. The observed expertise-dependent effects suggest that functional plasticity within executive control networks may underpin the emergence of unique meditation states in expert meditators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Yordanova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev str., bl. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Vasil Kolev
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev str., bl. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Valentina Nicolardi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Social and Cognitive Neurosciences Laboratory, IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Simione
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Mauro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Garberi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Raffone
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions, Nalanda University, Rajgir, India
| | - Peter Malinowski
- School of Psychology, Research Centre for Brain and Behaviour, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), Liverpool, UK
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Im S, Stavas J, Lee J, Mir Z, Hazlett-Stevens H, Caplovitz G. Does mindfulness-based intervention improve cognitive function?: A meta-analysis of controlled studies. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 84:101972. [PMID: 33582570 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Theoretical accounts and preliminary evidence suggest that Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) improve cognitive function, but reviews of empirical studies have provided mixed results. To clarify empirical evidence, we conducted a meta-analysis of 25 studies (n = 1439) and examined the effects of MBIs on four cognitive domains: attention, working memory, long-term memory, and executive function. The summary effect sizes indicate that MBIs produce non-significant effects on attention (SMD = 0.07), working memory (SMD = 0.16), and long-term memory (SMD = -0.12), while a small effect was observed for executive function (SMD = 0.29). Given significant heterogeneity across studies, we conducted meta-regression analyses with sample characteristics, age, number of treatment sessions, treatment duration, intervention type, control group type, and study design. We found moderating effects of intervention type on attention and executive function. Although the current study highlights preliminary evidence for improvements in executive function, overall results suggest non-significant findings for attention, working memory, and long-term memory. To draw a firm conclusion, further research is needed to address methodological challenges in meta-analysis and the limitations of existing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Im
- Western Kentucky University, United States of America.
| | - Julie Stavas
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Jungeun Lee
- Kwangwoon University, United States of America
| | - Zareen Mir
- Teachers College, Columbia University, United States of America
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Mantzios M, Tariq A, Altaf M, Giannou K. Loving-Kindness Colouring and Loving-Kindness Meditation: Exploring the Effectiveness of Non-Meditative and Meditative Practices on State Mindfulness and Anxiety. JOURNAL OF CREATIVITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15401383.2021.1884159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aqsa Tariq
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Kyriaki Giannou
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Ma K, Deng N, Hommel B. Meditation-induced cognitive-control states regulate working memory task performance. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2021; 74:1465-1476. [PMID: 33573526 DOI: 10.1177/1747021821997826] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Single-bout focused-attention meditation (FAM) and open-monitoring meditation (OMM) are assumed to bias metacontrol states towards more persistent versus more flexible processing, respectively. In Experiment 1, we tested whether monitoring and updating of working memory (WM) representations in an N-back task with high (3-back), medium (2-back), and low (1-back) WM demands (varied within participants) is affected by preceding single-bout FAM or OMM meditation (varied between participants and compared with a control group). The results showed that FAM promotes WM performance in the medium (2-back), but not in the high (3-back) or low (1-back) demand condition, whereas OMM did not affect WM performance. A replication of the 2-back condition only (Experiment 2) showed no meditation effect, but a replication of the 3-back condition only (Experiment 3) produced a similar pattern as the 2-back condition in Experiment 1, with FAM promoting performance compared with OMM and the control condition. Taken together, these findings suggest that the single-bout FAM does promote WM performance but only if the capacity demands are neither too high nor too low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ma
- Key Laboratory of Personality and Cognition, Faculty of Psychological Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Na Deng
- Key Laboratory of Personality and Cognition, Faculty of Psychological Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bernhard Hommel
- Institute for Psychological Research & Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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Kohut SA, Saltzman A. Mindfulness in Pediatrics: Practices to Improve Clinician and Patient Mental Health and Enhance Well-Being. Pediatr Ann 2021; 50:e77-e83. [PMID: 33576833 DOI: 10.3928/19382359-20210117-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Children and adolescents with symptoms of mental health disorders often present to primary care settings. In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, mental health symptoms in children, adolescents, families, and health care clinicians are rising. Mindfulness is an approach to improve both mental and physical health that can be practiced freely in any circumstance. Although not a panacea, research does support the use of mindfulness-based practices not only to improve overall well-being but also to address a variety of symptoms and diagnoses in numerous populations. This review defines mindfulness, describes the current state of the literature, outlines ways to support youth and families in cultivating and applying mindfulness in their daily lives, and provides guidance for health care clinicians on how to begin a personal practice to support their own health and well-being. [Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(2):e77-e83.].
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44
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Wilson NA, Kenny MA, Peña AS. Role of meditation to improve children's health: Time to look at other strategies. J Paediatr Child Health 2021; 57:178-181. [PMID: 33217077 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, it is reported that up to 7 million of the population practice some form of meditation with the main purpose of improving emotional wellbeing and reducing stress. As the prevalence of mental health conditions continues to climb, other forms of health management strategies, including meditation practices, are increasingly used in adults. The evidence continues to emerge for the use of meditation as a way of managing health conditions in adults as demonstrated in systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials. There is also growing evidence evaluating the use of meditation practices and their potential benefits for child and adolescent health. Studies have identified improvements in mood and mental health conditions, school attendance and attention in the classroom in children and adolescents. This article aims to provide a perspective on commonly evaluated meditation types, such as Transcendental Meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction. The article also aims to discuss the available evidence for the use of meditation to improve health and general wellbeing of children, including the use of meditation programs in schools, the current downfalls and limitations to the existing literature around meditation, and important points that healthcare practitioners need to consider when discussing the use of meditation as an additional strategy to manage and improve health and wellbeing in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina A Wilson
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Women's and Children's Hospital, SA Health, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Maura A Kenny
- Centre for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, SA Health, Government of South Australia, Thebarton, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alexia S Peña
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Women's and Children's Hospital, SA Health, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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45
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Links M, Ayling T, Doran J, Braganza S, Martin P, Clayton J, Hiremagalur B. A compassionate pause. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:432-436. [PMID: 32873444 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Links
- Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Australia; Griffith University School of Medicine, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Terry Ayling
- Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Australia; Compassionate Gold Coast, Australia; Charter for Compassion, Australian Compassion Council, Australia
| | - Joanne Doran
- Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Shahina Braganza
- Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Australia; Bond University, School of Health Science and Medicine, Australia
| | - Peter Martin
- Deakin University Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Australia
| | - Josephine Clayton
- HammondCare, Greenwich Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Northern Clinical School University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Balaji Hiremagalur
- Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Australia; Griffith University School of Medicine, Gold Coast, Australia
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Díaz-Rodríguez L, Vargas-Román K, Sanchez-Garcia JC, Rodríguez-Blanque R, Cañadas-De la Fuente GA, De La Fuente-Solana EI. Effects of Meditation on Mental Health and Cardiovascular Balance in Caregivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020617. [PMID: 33450831 PMCID: PMC7828286 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Caring for a loved one can be rewarding but is also associated with substantial caregiver burden, developing mental outcomes and affecting happiness. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a four-week, 16-h presential meditation program on physiological and psychological parameters and vagal nerve activity in high-burden caregivers, as compared to a control group. Methods: A non-randomized repeated-measures controlled clinical trial was conducted. Results: According to the ANCOVA results, the global happiness score (F = 297.42, p < 0.001) and the scores for all subscales were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group at 5 weeks. Anxiety levels were also significantly reduced in the experimental group (F = 24.92, p < 0.001), systolic (F = 16.23, p < 0.001) and diastolic blood (F = 34.39, p < 0.001) pressures, and the resting heart rate (F = 17.90, p < 0.05). HRV results revealed significant between-group differences in the HRV Index (F = 8.40, p < 0.05), SDNN (F = 13.59, p < 0.05), and RMSSD (F = 10.72, p < 0.05) in the time domain, and HF (F = 4.82 p < 0.05)) in the frequency domain, which were all improved in the experimental group after the meditation program. Conclusions: Meditation can be a useful therapy to enhance the mental health and autonomic nervous system balance of informal caregivers, improving symptoms of physical and mental overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Díaz-Rodríguez
- Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (K.V.-R.); (J.C.S.-G.); (R.R.-B.)
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-24-8756
| | - Keyla Vargas-Román
- Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (K.V.-R.); (J.C.S.-G.); (R.R.-B.)
- Spanish Education Ministry Program FPU16/01437, Methodology of Behavioral Sciences Department, School of Psychology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Sanchez-Garcia
- Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (K.V.-R.); (J.C.S.-G.); (R.R.-B.)
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Raquel Rodríguez-Blanque
- Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (K.V.-R.); (J.C.S.-G.); (R.R.-B.)
- San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain
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Dobrakowski P, Blaszkiewicz M, Skalski S. Changes in the Electrical Activity of the Brain in the Alpha and Theta Bands during Prayer and Meditation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249567. [PMID: 33371283 PMCID: PMC7766487 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Focused attention meditation (FAM) is a category of meditation based on an EEG pattern, which helps the wandering mind to focus on a particular object. It seems that prayer may, in certain respects, be similar to FAM. It is believed that emotional experience correlates mainly with theta, but also with selective alpha, with internalized attention correlating mainly with the synchronous activity of theta and alpha. The vast majority of studies indicate a possible impact of transcendence in meditation on the alpha wave in EEG. No such reports are available for prayer. Seventeen women and nineteen men aged 27–64 years with at least five years of intensive meditation/prayer experience were recruited to participate in the study. We identified the two largest groups which remained in the meditation trend originating from the Buddhist system (14 people) (Buddhist meditators) and in the Christian-based faith (15 people) (Christian meditators). EEG signal was recorded with open eyes, closed eyes, during meditation/prayer, and relaxation. After the EEG recording, an examination was conducted using the Scale of Spiritual Transcendence. Buddhist meditators exhibited a statistically significantly higher theta amplitude at Cz during meditation compared to relaxation. Meanwhile, spiritual openness favored a higher theta amplitude at Pz during relaxation. Our study did not reveal statistically significant differences in frontal areas with regard to alpha and theta, which was often indicated in previous studies. It seems necessary to analyze more closely the midline activity in terms of dispersed neural activity integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Dobrakowski
- Institute of Psychology, Humanitas University, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Sebastian Skalski
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-378 Warsaw, Poland;
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Rummel J, Iwan F, Steindorf L, Danek AH. The role of attention for insight problem solving: effects of mindless and mindful incubation periods. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2020.1841779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Rummel
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Iwan
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Steindorf
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amory H. Danek
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Feruglio S, Matiz A, Grecucci A, Pascut S, Fabbro F, Crescentini C. Differential effects of mindfulness meditation conditions on repetitive negative thinking and subjective time perspective: a randomized active-controlled study. Psychol Health 2020; 36:1275-1298. [PMID: 33094652 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2020.1836178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivePreliminary findings suggest that different kinds of meditation could work on diverse cognitive and psychological processes. The present study aimed at disentangling the effects of three mindfulness techniques on mental rumination and subjective time perspective. Design: 75 young healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: mindful breathing, body scan, observing-thoughts meditation and an active control condition. The meditation groups practiced mindfulness daily and attended weekly group meetings for 8 weeks, while the control group was involved in reading and discussing a book about mindfulness. Main outcome measures: Self-report measures of mindfulness skills, ruminative thinking, attitude towards time, anxiety, depression and personality traits. Results: In all meditation conditions, analysis of covariance showed a significant improvement in mindfulness skills compared to the control group. We found a specific effect of mindful breathing in reducing participants' tendency to brooding and in increasing their positive vision of the future, compared to all other conditions. Conclusions: As expected, we found some differential effects: breathing meditation helped practitioners to train more effectively their ability to disengage from maladaptive ruminative thoughts, which could be reflected in a more optimistic attitude toward the future. These results provide useful information to structure better mindfulness-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Feruglio
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Matiz
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandro Grecucci
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Stefania Pascut
- Municipality of Udine, WHO Healthy Cities Project, Udine, Italy
| | - Franco Fabbro
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,PERCRO Perceptual Robotics Laboratory, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristiano Crescentini
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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van Dam K. Individual Stress Prevention through Qigong. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17197342. [PMID: 33050017 PMCID: PMC7579037 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Owing to work intensification and an accelerated pace of life in general, individuals in many Western countries are often overactivated and find it difficult to switch off. However, recovery from physiological and mental activation is critical to prevent stress symptoms and maintain one’s physiological and mental well-being. Extensive research evidence indicates that Qigong, a traditional Chinese movement practice for promoting health, provides an effective means to recover from work and off-work demands. The main objective of this paper is to offer a comprehensive, narrative review of the effects of Qigong and its core components. Attention is first paid to the outcomes of work and off-work demands and stress, and the role of recovery for individuals’ well-being. Then, Qigong and its components are explained, followed by the results of scientific research. Finally, limitations and implications for research and practiced are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen van Dam
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
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