The neural substrates of mindfulness: An fMRI investigation
Social Neuroscience
Short Title:
The neural substrates of mindfulness
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Year:
n.d.
Pages:
231-242
Sources ID:
21716
Visibility:
Private
Zotero Collections:
Contemplation by Applied Subject, Neuroscience and Contemplation, Science and Contemplation
Abstract:
(Show)
'Mindfulness' is a capacity for heightened present-moment awareness that we all possess to a greater or lesser extent. Enhancing this capacity through training has been shown to alleviate stress and promote physical and mental well-being. As a consequence, interest in mindfulness is growing and so is the need to better understand it. This study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify the brain regions involved in state mindfulness and to shed light on its mechanisms of action. Significant signal decreases were observed during mindfulness meditation in midline cortical structures associated with interoception, including bilateral anterior insula, left ventral anterior cingulate cortex, right medial prefrontal cortex, and bilateral precuneus. Significant signal increase was noted in the right posterior cingulate cortex. These findings lend support to the theory that mindfulness achieves its positive outcomes through a process of disidentification.