Studying the precuneus reveals structure-function-affect correlation in long-term meditators
Aviva Berkovich-Ohana, Edna Furman-haran, Rafael Malach, Amos Arieli, Michal Harel, Sharon Gilaie-dotan
bioRxiv Preprint Server October 30, 2019 preprint DOI: 10.1101/822056 via bioRxiv
Summary
The study explores the connection between brain structure, function, and self-reports in the context of mindfulness meditation (MM). It hypothesizes that the structure of default mode network (DMN) regions, linked to spontaneous thoughts and self-representation, would show a negative correlation with MM experience and self-reported positive affect, while showing a positive correlation with DMN resting-state function. The findings suggest complex relationships between meditation practice and brain activity.
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between brain structure, function and self-reports has hardly been addressed until now in meditation research. Here we demonstrate such relationship, using Mindfulness meditation (MM). MM aims to reduce thought-related processes and enhance bodily awareness, thereby reducing identification with thought content and deconstructing maladaptive self-schema. We thus hypothesized that structure of the default mode network (DMN) regions, associated with spontaneous thoughts and self-representation, would negatively correlate with MM experience and self-reported positive affect, while positively correlating with DMN resting-state function.