Interbrain connectivity during mindfulness and meditation: narrative review of hyperscanning research.
Frontiers in cognition January 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3389/fcogn.2026.1719931 via PubMed
Summary
Interbrain synchrony, which refers to the neural connectivity between individuals, varies in mindfulness and meditation practices. In a review of seven studies, interbrain synchronization was noted in five, particularly showing anterior theta phase synchrony during cooperation tasks post-mindfulness induction. Tasks involving shared breathing and mirroring exhibited coherence in alpha, theta, and delta bands. Expert meditators practicing together showed increased gamma synchrony, influenced by expertise and personality traits like agreeableness.
Study at a glance
| Design | narrative review |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 7 |
| Population | selected studies on interbrain connectivity in mindfulness and meditation practices |
| Key finding | Interbrain synchronization was observed in five out of seven selected studies, with variations linked to expertise and task type. |
Abstract
Over the past century, research on meditation and mindfulness has aimed to characterize the behavioral phenomenology and the neurophysiology of the contemplative mind. In recent years, investigators have extended this work beyond single participants to dyads and larger groups using hyperscanning (the simultaneous recording of neural activity from two or more individuals). This narrative review synthesizes interbrain connectivity research and explores dyadic synchrony findings within mindfulness and meditation practices. Among the selected studies (n = 7), interbrain synchronization was observed across protocols and spectral bands in five studies. Anterior theta phase synchrony was evident during cooperation tasks following mindfulness induction. Motor coordination tasks with shared breathing and physical mirroring elicited alpha, theta, and delta coherence in frontal brain regions. Gamma synchrony increased in socio-emotional paradigms and among expert meditators practicing together. Dyadic coupling in lower-frequency spectral bands was potentiated when breath focus was combined with a shared goal. The evidence reviewed suggests that interbrain synchrony varies as a function of expertise, task heterogeneity, and personality traits such as agreeableness.