521 results for "Meditation"
Neurobehavioural Correlates of Breath Meditation in Novice Adolescents: Insights from Anapanasati-based Paradigm.
Annals of neurosciences – April 02, 2025
Summary
Breath-awareness meditation significantly enhances relaxation and psychological well-being in adolescents. In a study involving 45 novice meditators, participants showed increased alpha brain activity during mindfulness practices, indicating relaxation. Notably, beta power in key brain regions correlated positively with breath count, enhancing cognitive processing. Additionally, feelings of bliss during meditation were linked to heightened state mindfulness but inversely associated with theory of mind (TOM). Gender differences emerged, with females exhibiting greater frontal beta activity. This suggests that breath-based practices can effectively support adolescent mental health while highlighting individual variations.
Abstract
Breath-awareness practices contribute to stress management and psychological well-being among adolescents. However, their neurobehavioural effects ...
Meditation, Compassionate Love, and Mental Health in Later Life.
Journal of gerontological nursing – March 01, 2024
Summary
Meditation significantly enhances feelings of compassionate love, which in turn reduces depressive symptoms and anxiety in later life. In a nationwide survey of 1,861 adults, those practicing meditation reported a 11% increase in feelings of being loved. Higher levels of love correlated with a decrease of 2.10 points in depressive symptoms and 0.99 points in anxiety. Additionally, meditation indirectly lowered depressive symptoms by 0.23 points and anxiety by 0.11 points through its impact on compassionate love.
Abstract
Understanding of the mechanisms by which meditation imparts beneficial effects on later-life mental health is limited. The current study assessed t...
The Effect of Moving Meditation Exercise on Depression and Sleep Quality of the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Holistic nursing practice
Summary
Moving meditation significantly improves mental health and sleep quality in older adults. In a study involving 114 participants aged 65 and older, those who practiced moving meditation for six weeks reported a notable decrease in depression levels and enhanced sleep quality compared to a control group. Specifically, average scores for depression and overall sleep quality improved significantly. These findings suggest that incorporating moving meditation into healthcare practices may offer valuable support alongside traditional treatments for the elderly population.
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of moving meditation exercise training on depression level and sleep quality in the elderl...
Meditation and Its Mental and Physical Health Benefits in 2023.
Cureus – June 01, 2023
Summary
Meditation significantly enhances both mental and physical health, with studies showing improvements in various conditions. MRI scans reveal positive brain changes linked to meditation, while immune function improves through reduced cytokine levels. Participants experienced a 10% decrease in blood cholesterol and a notable increase in high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Additionally, meditation helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders and PTSD. Its benefits extend to chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, highlighting its potential as a holistic approach to well-being across multiple health domains.
Abstract
This article discusses the power of meditation and how beneficial it is for the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown many positive brai...
Functional neuroanatomy of meditation: A review and meta-analysis of 78 functional neuroimaging investigations
arXiv Preprint Archive – March 21, 2016
Summary
Brain scans reveal that different types of meditation activate distinct neural pathways, much like how various forms of exercise target different muscle groups. This comprehensive analysis of brain imaging data from 527 meditators showed that focused attention, mantra practice, open awareness, and compassion meditation each create unique activation patterns in the brain, aligning with their intended benefits. Some brain regions, like those linked to self-awareness and attention control, activate across multiple meditation styles.
Abstract
Meditation is a family of mental practices that encompasses a wide array of techniques employing distinctive mental strategies. We systematically r...
Dhyana yoga, the path of meditative being: Psychotherapeutic insights from the east.
Asian journal of psychiatry – June 01, 2025
Summary
Mind-body techniques rooted in Eastern traditions can significantly enhance health and well-being. For instance, yogic meditation practices like focused attention, open-monitoring, and transcendental meditation show promise in addressing various medical and psychiatric disorders. Emerging neuroscience indicates that these practices correlate with distinct neural oscillations and brain circuits. With a sample size of over 300 participants across multiple studies, findings suggest that consistent engagement in these techniques fosters self-awareness and compassion, leading to transformative inner experiences and improved mental health outcomes.
Abstract
Eastern spiritual traditions offer insights into the mind-body approaches to enhance health and well-being. These insights focus on self-awareness ...
Consumer-Grade Neurofeedback With Mindfulness Meditation: Meta-Analysis.
Journal of medical Internet research – April 17, 2025
Summary
Consumer-grade neurofeedback devices, like Muse, show potential in enhancing meditation experiences, but their effectiveness is limited. In a meta-analysis of 21 trials with 930 participants, modest reductions in psychological distress were noted (g=-0.16), while no significant improvements were found in cognition, mindfulness, or physiological health. The majority of studies utilized mindfulness apps as controls and reported small sample sizes (n=30-50). Claims about these devices enabling deeper meditation lack robust support, suggesting effects may stem from placebo rather than actual brain modulation.
Abstract
There is burgeoning interest in the application of neuroscientific technology to facilitate meditation and lead to beneficial psychological outcome...
Randomized Trial: A Pilot Study Investigating the Effects of Transcendental Meditation and Yoga Through Retinal Microcirculation in Cardiac Rehabilitation.
Journal of clinical medicine – January 03, 2025
Summary
Meditation and yoga may not significantly alter retinal microcirculation in cardiac rehabilitation. In a pilot study involving 60 patients post-heart surgery, participants were divided into three groups: standard exercise therapy, meditation, and yoga, each engaging in 20 minutes of their practice twice daily for four weeks. Despite the promising benefits of these practices on cardiovascular health noted in prior studies, no significant differences were found in key microcirculation parameters among the groups. This highlights the need for further exploration of holistic approaches in cardiac recovery.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death, and psychosocial stress is considered a contributing factor to these i...
Residential Meditation Retreats: A Promise of Sustainable Well-Being?
Cureus – November 01, 2024
Summary
Meditation retreats significantly enhance well-being, with participants experiencing a 30% reduction in stress and anxiety levels. These immersive programs not only foster mindfulness but also improve emotional resilience and self-reflection. Additionally, individuals show decreased inflammatory markers and better metabolic health, vital for long-term wellness. With a growing interest in wellness tourism, meditation retreats present sustainable benefits that traditional vacations lack. Their potential as preventive healthcare tools is promising, yet challenges like varied formats and accessibility persist, highlighting the need for standardized protocols.
Abstract
Meditation retreats are structured programs that immerse participants in focused meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection over extended periods...
The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Nursing Students' Stress and Anxiety Levels.
Nursing education perspectives
Summary
Mindfulness meditation significantly lowers stress and anxiety levels among nursing students. In a study involving 145 participants, those who engaged with weekly meditation recordings reported notably reduced stress and anxiety compared to a control group that received nursing-related content. The intervention demonstrated clear benefits, with the experimental group showing marked improvements on the Perceived Stress Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale. These findings suggest that incorporating mindfulness practices can enhance the mental well-being of nursing students facing high academic pressures.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a virtual mindfulness meditation intervention on stress and anxiety levels of 145 nursing stud...
Impact of Heartfulness meditation practice on anxiety, perceived stress, well-being, and telomere length.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2023
Summary
Heartfulness meditation significantly reduces anxiety and stress while enhancing well-being and mindfulness. In a study involving 100 healthy individuals aged 18-24, participants practicing Heartfulness showed a notable decrease in cortisol levels, a key stress marker. The intervention lasted three months, with psychometric assessments indicating improved mental health outcomes. Notably, a negative correlation was found between telomere length and cortisol, suggesting that lower stress may enhance cellular aging processes. This highlights the potential of meditation in promoting both psychological and genetic health benefits.
Abstract
Exhaustion, stress, and burnout have all been found to be reduced using techniques like yoga and meditation. This study was carried out to check th...
Effect of Brief Meditation Intervention on Attention: An ERP Investigation
arXiv Preprint Archive – September 26, 2022
Summary
Just ten minutes of meditation can significantly sharpen your attention and mental focus. Brain activity measurements reveal that brief meditation sessions help people respond faster and more accurately during attention-demanding tasks. The practice enhances positive brain signals while reducing interference patterns, suggesting more efficient mental processing. These neural benefits appear even in complete meditation beginners, highlighting meditation's immediate cognitive advantages.
Abstract
Fast and efficient strategies for modulation of attention have been extensively studied recently. The present study has attempted to observe the ef...
Reducing Stress and Anxiety in the Metaverse: A Systematic Review of Meditation, Mindfulness and Virtual Reality
arXiv Preprint Archive – September 29, 2022
Summary
Virtual reality meditation shows promising results in reducing stress and anxiety, with users reporting up to 40% decrease in stress levels after immersive sessions. VR environments, designed with human-computer interaction (cs.HC) principles, create peaceful digital spaces where users practice guided meditation and mindfulness exercises. Analysis of 19 studies reveals that immersive natural settings, like virtual forests and beaches, combined with calming audio, significantly improve relaxation outcomes compared to traditional meditation methods.
Abstract
Meditation, or mindfulness, is widely used to improve mental health. With the emergence of Virtual Reality technology, many studies have provided e...
Peace through health: traditional medicine meditation in the prevention of collective stress, violence, and war.
Frontiers in public health – January 01, 2024
Summary
Transcendental Meditation (TM) has shown promise in addressing collective stress and mitigating violence amid global conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars. With empirical studies involving thousands of participants, TM has been linked to significant reductions in stress and improvements in mental health outcomes. Notably, one study reported a 50% decrease in anxiety levels among practitioners. By incorporating TM into public health strategies, communities can enhance well-being and potentially prevent violence, aligning with WHO recommendations for innovative peacebuilding approaches.
Abstract
In the midst of global armed conflicts, notably the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars, there is an urgent need for innovative public health stra...
Psychosis or spiritual emergency? A Foucauldian discourse analysis of case reports of extreme mental states in the context of meditation.
Transcultural psychiatry – October 01, 2019
Summary
Extreme mental states, often linked to meditation, reveal a significant divide in how they are understood. An analysis of 22 case studies shows two main perspectives: one views these experiences as psychiatric symptoms, while the other sees them as spiritual emergencies. This split affects help-seeking behaviors and meaning-making for individuals facing psychosis. Notably, three articles blended both discourses, suggesting that collaboration among clinicians, therapists, and spiritual teachers could provide diverse therapeutic options for those navigating these profound experiences.
Abstract
Meditation is becoming increasingly popular in the West and research on its effects is growing. While studies point to various benefits of meditati...
Prevalence and factors of meditation and yoga practice in the USA: How cancer and anxiety correlate.
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer – February 13, 2025
Summary
Only 21.5% of female cancer survivors engage in meditation, while 16.8% practice yoga, highlighting a gap in the adoption of these beneficial mind-body techniques. An analysis of 1,945 female survivors revealed that those with high anxiety were more likely to use yoga, particularly if they lived in large central metro areas or had other cancer types. The majority of respondents were White (82.9%) and over 65 years old (55.2%). Tailoring outreach strategies may enhance access to these practices for diverse survivors.
Abstract
Research has shown that mind-body practices like meditation and yoga can improve quality of life among female cancer survivors. Yet, correlates of ...
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Exploring the Impact of Different Mindfulness Meditation Interventions on College Students' Resilience: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress – August 01, 2025
Summary
Even brief mindfulness meditation can immediately calm the body's stress response. A study on college students demonstrated that just a few moments of mindfulness meditation significantly reduced blood pressure and improved heart rate variability. An 8-week mindfulness meditation program further enhanced resilience among college students, with these positive effects sustained long-term. This indicates that various mindfulness meditation practices offer effective ways for college students to manage stress and build lasting resilience.
Abstract
Resilience helps mitigate the negative impacts of stress and promotes effective adaptation in adverse situations. This study investigated the impac...
Neuromeditation: The Science and Practice of Combining Neurofeedback and Meditation for Improved Mental Health
Smart Biofeedback - Perspectives and Applications – September 28, 2020
Summary
Brain training meets mindfulness: New research shows combining EEG feedback with meditation can help people achieve deeper states of focus and relaxation in less time. By monitoring real-time brainwave patterns, practitioners receive instant feedback about their mental state, helping them recognize and maintain desired meditation states. This approach shows promise for treating anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD by teaching patients to better regulate their mental states.
Abstract
Beginning meditators often complain that they do not know if they are “doing it right” or give up before realizing significant benefits. Advanced m...
Effectiveness of meditation on wellness management among corporate employees in India: An interventional study.
Health science reports – July 01, 2024
Summary
Meditation significantly boosts quality of life (QoL) and wellness among corporate employees, as evidenced by a study involving 220 participants. After a mindfulness meditation intervention, the 146 participants in the intervention group reported a notable reduction in stress (0.02) and improvements in QoL (0.21), satisfaction with life (0.21), and overall well-being (0.24). Comparatively, those practicing meditation experienced a decrease in stress (0.07) and increases in satisfaction with life (0.12) and well-being (0.23), highlighting its effectiveness for health promotion and stress management in workplaces.
Abstract
Urban corporate sector relies heavily on workplace well-being, with meditation being a potent stress reduction method that significantly enhances t...
Meditation Experiences, Self, and Boundaries of Consciousness
International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine – January 01, 2016
Summary
Our perception of reality may involve a subtle delay as senses integrate with an internal "default space." A new model proposes our senses layer onto an existing 3D intrapersonal space, explaining a unified mind-body connection. Meditation experiences demonstrate how this inner self is perceived, linked to physiological changes like heart-brain synchronization. This practice fosters a calm state, enhancing the experience of self. Understanding this space could unlock mysteries of memory and cognition, offering clinicians proven techniques to reduce stress and treat mind disorders.
Abstract
Our experiences with the external world are possible mainly through vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell providing us a sense of reality. How t...
The effect of mindfulness meditation on depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Scientific reports – August 30, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness meditation significantly reduces depressive symptoms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials involving diverse participants revealed a strong effect size of -1.14, indicating substantial improvement in mental health. With depression affecting 280 million people globally, these findings underscore the importance of mindfulness as an effective intervention. Implementing meditation practices could serve as a valuable tool for individuals grappling with depression in these challenging times, offering hope and relief from debilitating symptoms.
Abstract
Currently, 280 million people worldwide experience depression, ranking it third in the global burden of disease. The incidence of depression has ri...
Mindfulness meditation experiences of novice practitioners in an online intervention: Trajectories, predictors, and challenges.
Applied psychology. Health and well-being – February 01, 2022
Summary
Mindfulness interventions can significantly enhance well-being, but individual responses vary widely. In a 3-week guided meditation program with 175 novice participants, experiences of effort, meaning, and boredom evolved positively; meditation became less effortful for many. Those with higher baseline self-management and autonomous motivation were more engaged and found the process rewarding. Conversely, individuals with lower self-regulation or higher rumination struggled, often perceiving mindfulness as tedious and ultimately dropping out. This highlights the importance of self-determination theory in optimizing activity-related experiences during mindfulness practices.
Abstract
The benefits of mindfulness interventions are well-known, but their challenges and individual differences in reactions to these challenges are much...
Self-Boundary Dissolution in Meditation: A Phenomenological Investigation.
Brain sciences – June 21, 2021
Summary
Deep meditative states can lead to a significant dissolution of the sense of self, characterized by changes in location, agency, and first-person perspective. In a study involving qualitative and quantitative analyses, 50 participants reported that passive gestures of "letting go" were crucial for deepening this self-dissolution experience. This suggests that reducing attentional engagement can enhance feelings of self-transcendence. The findings emphasize the interplay between meditation techniques and self-boundary alterations, paving the way for future studies linking phenomenology with neurophysiological data.
Abstract
A fundamental aspect of the sense of self is its pre-reflective dimension specifying the self as a bounded and embodied knower and agent. Being a c...
Meditation and guided imagery show reduction in chronic stress and increase in mental health-related quality of life for college students.
Journal of American college health : J of ACH – January 13, 2025
Summary
Participation in guided imagery with progressive muscle relaxation and meditation significantly improved mental health among college students. In an 8-week program, 16 students in the meditation group and 17 in the guided imagery group reported decreased chronic stress levels and enhanced health-related quality of life. Notably, improvements were evident midway through the program and sustained thereafter. These findings highlight the effectiveness of mind-body techniques as practical tools for managing college stress and anxiety, offering valuable support for students’ overall well-being.
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effects of guided imagery with progressive deep muscle relaxation (PDMR) and meditation programs on chronic stress percep...
Intensive meditation training influences emotional responses to suffering.
Emotion (Washington, D.C.) – December 01, 2015
Summary
Intensive meditation training can profoundly shift how we react to others' pain. A three-month retreat, focusing on attention and compassion, led participants to show more empathetic sadness and significantly less aversion, like anger or disgust, when viewing suffering. This suggests dedicated practice enhances sympathetic concern, fostering a more compassionate and less rejecting response to others' difficulties.
Abstract
Meditation practices purportedly help people develop focused and sustained attention, cultivate feelings of compassionate concern for self and othe...
Effectiveness of Anapanasati Meditation on Internal Locus of Control, Psychological Well-being, Resilience and Altruism Among Orphan Adolescents.
Annals of neurosciences – January 10, 2026
Summary
Anapanasati meditation significantly boosts well-being, altruism, and internal locus of control among vulnerable orphan adolescents. A three-month program, implemented with 54 orphan adolescents (compared to 54 non-orphan peers aged 13-17), demonstrated marked improvements in resilience from the second month. This simple, low-cost meditation effectively supports holistic growth, enhancing positive psychosocial performance for adolescents facing unique challenges. It offers a practical solution for resource-constrained settings, fostering a stronger sense of self-direction and compassion.
Abstract
Orphan adolescents face multiple vulnerabilities, including a lack of parental guidance, poor educational opportunities, socio-economic disadvantag...
Examining the Dose-Response Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Interventions on Well-Being: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
JMIR research protocols – July 29, 2025
Summary
Understanding the ideal "dose" of mindfulness meditation for boosting well-being is crucial. This research explores if more practice time in internet- and mobile-based interventions leads to greater positive results. Healthy adults are randomly assigned to daily mindfulness meditation courses of 10, 20, or 30 minutes, or a short control. The goal is to clarify the dose-response relationship, expecting longer meditation sessions to significantly enhance well-being.
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation has demonstrated modest benefits for mental health and well-being, although the relationship between practice dose and outco...
The effects of Rajyoga mindfulness meditation training on heart rate variability in panic disorder: A randomized controlled trial.
Indian journal of psychiatry – March 01, 2025
Summary
Rajyoga mindfulness meditation significantly enhances heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with panic disorder. In a study of 110 participants, those practicing Rajyoga for eight weeks showed marked improvements in HRV metrics, including SDRR and RMSSD, compared to a control group receiving standard treatment alone. Specifically, the Rajyoga group experienced a 30% increase in total power and a notable decrease in the LF/HF ratio, indicating improved parasympathetic activity. These findings suggest that Rajyoga may serve as an effective complementary therapy for managing panic disorder symptoms.
Abstract
Panic disorder is associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction and reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Enhancing HRV may help mitigate sy...
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Transcendental Meditation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) – April 03, 2025
Summary
Transcendental Meditation (TM) shows significant promise in reducing PTSD symptoms, yielding a large effect size of -1.01 across 15 controlled trials involving 1,248 participants aged 20 to 54. This approach outperformed other treatments and was found to be as effective as prolonged exposure therapy, with TM producing noticeable results more quickly. Notably, 46.9% of participants were male. These findings highlight TM's potential as a viable option for stress reduction in both military and civilian populations dealing with PTSD.
Abstract
Background and Objectives. Our recent systematic review and meta-analysis of all studies on meditation as treatment for PTSD (61 studies) found a m...
Effects of meditation on health promoting protective factors of persons with cardiovascular disease-a quasi-experimental pilot study with pre-post comparison.
Cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy – August 31, 2024
Summary
Practicing loving-kindness meditation (LKM) led to a notable reduction in perceived stress (approximately 16%) and improved stress coping skills in individuals with cardiovascular disease. In a pilot study involving 29 participants, the intervention group (n=9) experienced significant benefits compared to the control group (n=20). While factors like resilience, self-compassion, and sense of coherence were not strengthened, the frequency of rehospitalization showed promising changes. These findings highlight the potential of LKM as a supportive practice in managing stress related to cardiovascular health.
Abstract
The aim of this pilot study is to determine, in the context of a controlled intervention study, whether the health-promoting personal protective fa...
The application of virtual reality meditation and mind-body exercises among older adults.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Virtual reality (VR)-based mindfulness can significantly enhance the health of older adults, improving mental health, pain management, and quality of life. In studies involving over 200 participants, VR meditation showed notable effectiveness in these areas, while VR mind-body exercises improved both mental health and physical function. However, challenges such as high costs and technical difficulties remain barriers to widespread adoption. Combining VR mind-body exercises with traditional forms could further promote elderly health, making this innovative approach a valuable addition to public health strategies.
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR)-based mindfulness is a promising method to improve the health of older adults. Therefore, many attempts have been made to expl...
Brief mindfulness meditation increases risk-taking behavior.
Scientific reports – January 30, 2026
Summary
Brief mindfulness meditation surprisingly increases risk taking. Across two distinct experiments, involving participants from both the UK and Singapore, a short mindfulness practice consistently led to greater willingness to take risks compared to control groups. Computational modeling revealed this profound shift in decision-making stemmed from a significant reduction in loss aversion. This suggests mindfulness can subtly alter how individuals weigh potential losses, directly impacting their risk-taking behavior in various contexts.
Abstract
Brief mindfulness-based meditation exerts a potent influence on social cognition. What is not yet understood, however, is whether and how it impact...
Subject-independent Classification of Meditative State from the Resting State using EEG
arXiv Preprint Archive – April 25, 2025
Summary
Brain wave patterns can reveal when someone is meditating with remarkable accuracy. Using advanced signal processing and machine learning, researchers developed systems that can detect meditative states from regular brain activity with over 96% accuracy - even in people whose data wasn't used for training. This breakthrough could help validate meditation practices and develop better mindfulness tools.
Abstract
While it is beneficial to objectively determine whether a subject is meditating, most research in the literature reports good results only in a sub...
Death and Happiness: Exploring the Temporalities of the Meditated Death and Everyday Life in Tibetan Buddhist Practice of Tukdam.
Culture, medicine and psychiatry – May 21, 2025
Summary
In Tibetan Buddhism, masters can achieve a remarkable state called tukdam - remaining in deep meditation even after clinical death. This fascinating practice reveals how meditation on death paradoxically leads to greater happiness in life. Research in India shows that contemplating mortality through Buddhist practices helps practitioners develop compassion, resilience, and a clearer understanding of themselves. This approach to death transforms it from a fearful end into a powerful tool for living more meaningfully.
Abstract
Although tukdam-a meditative state entered through various practices resting in extremely subtle consciousness while dying-is seen to only be achie...
Meditation as a non-pharmacological treatment for narcolepsy: A literature review.
Sleep medicine – June 24, 2025
Summary
Could behavioral strategies offer relief for narcolepsy? A review explored existing evidence, suggesting that non-pharmacological intervention like Meditation, particularly Mindfulness, presents a promising alternative. It found these practices may effectively reduce symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, improving quality of life without medication side effects.
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations, and is often as...
Meditation for the reduction of perioperative anxiety in patients undergoing oncology surgery: A scoping review.
Asia-Pacific journal of oncology nursing – August 01, 2024
Summary
Meditation may significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing oncology surgeries, particularly during the postoperative period. Analyzing 538 citations, six studies were ultimately included in this review. Findings suggest that guided, mindfulness, and loving-kindness meditation can alleviate anxiety in breast cancer surgery patients. Despite these promising insights, the literature remains limited, with only 1% of identified studies addressing this intervention's effectiveness in perioperative settings. Expanding research to diverse populations could enhance understanding of meditation's potential benefits in integrative medicine for surgical patients.
Abstract
Patients undergoing surgery, particularly patients undergoing surgery for oncology diagnoses, experience anxiety. Surgery remains the primary treat...
Ego-depletion and motor skill performance under pressure-experimental effects of a short term virtual-reality based mindfulness breathing meditation with integrated biofeedback.
Scientific reports – July 30, 2024
Summary
A brief virtual reality-based mindfulness breathing meditation can significantly enhance sports performance under pressure. In two experiments involving 34 participants, those who engaged in this meditation after experiencing ego depletion improved their skills—executing 20 basketball free throws or penalty kicks—compared to those who took a resting break. Specifically, the meditation effectively countered the negative effects of ego depletion, showcasing its potential as a valuable tool for athletes looking to maintain self-control and optimize performance in high-stress situations.
Abstract
Ego-depletion describes a state of mind, where the capacity for self-control is temporarily depleted after a primary self-control action. The aim o...
Exploring Processes and Dynamics of Mystical Contemplative Meditation: Some Christian-Buddhist Parallels in Relation to Transpersonal Theory
CORE – January 01, 2015
Summary
Ancient Christian contemplative practices, like the prayer of Recollection, offer profound insights into personal growth, surprisingly paralleling modern mindfulness techniques. This exploration suggests these mystical traditions, developed by figures like St. Teresa of Avila, share therapeutic dynamics with Buddhist Samatha Vipassanā meditation and even Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Examining their processes through transpersonal theory reveals how these practices effectively navigate spiritual obstacles and foster deep psychological well-being. The findings highlight the enduring relevance and positive impact of these contemplative paths for personal transformation.
Abstract
This paper explores Christian contemplative meditation, focusing on the prayer of Recollection as it is developed especially by Evelyn Underhill an...
Modulation of event-related potentials of visual discrimination by meditation training and sustained attention
CrossRef
Summary
Did you know mental training can sharpen your visual focus? Research reveals that meditation practice significantly enhances the brain's ability to discriminate visual stimuli and sustain attention. When participants engaged in meditation while facing a consistent visual task, their brain activity showed improved early sensory processing. This indicates that developing perceptual capacity beyond a task's demands positively impacts attentional control and visual processing.
Abstract
The ability to discriminate among goal-relevant stimuli tends to diminish when detections must be made continuously over time. Previously, we repor...
Interoception Underlies The Therapeutic Effects of Mindfulness Meditation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
arXiv Preprint Archive – October 12, 2020
Summary
Mindfulness meditation's power to heal PTSD lies in how it enhances the brain's ability to process internal bodily signals. Veterans who received mindfulness training showed significant improvement in PTSD symptoms, with brain scans revealing increased activity in regions responsible for body awareness and emotional regulation. The treatment strengthened neural pathways in the brain's interoceptive network, helping participants better manage anxiety and emotional disturbances.
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions have proven its efficacy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the underlying neurobiological mech...
Acceptability of a Brain-Injury-Tailored Yoga and Meditation Program Among Female Patients with Concussion.
Journal of integrative and complementary medicine – June 27, 2025
Summary
Many women with persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) from a mild traumatic brain injury are seeking new ways to heal. A survey explored the appeal of a specialized yoga and meditation program for women recovering from concussion. An impressive 83% expressed strong interest, citing potential for improved balance, physical and mental health, and overall well-being. This highlights high acceptability for complementary therapies among women facing chronic concussion challenges.
Abstract
Background: Although concussion symptoms often resolve within 4-6 weeks, for a minority of patients, persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS), suc...
A kind mind: effects of compassion-based meditation on prosocial intergroup outcomes in a South African pilot sample.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Compassion-based meditation can significantly enhance intergroup relations, as evidenced by a study involving 40 White South Africans. After eight weeks of practice, participants reported a 30% increase in outgroup compassion and a 25% reduction in racial prejudice. Additionally, there was a notable rise in life satisfaction and reduced stress levels. Participants expressed greater support for collective action and reparative policies, reflecting enhanced self-transcendence and compassion toward strangers. These findings suggest that such meditation practices could foster positive social change in post-apartheid contexts.
Abstract
Three decades into democracy, the corollaries of apartheid continue to pattern South African society, with complicated race feelings and resistance...
The Impacts of Background Music on the Effects of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Positive Emotions.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) – March 04, 2024
Summary
Incorporating background music during loving-kindness meditation (LKM) can enhance emotional experiences. In a study with 200 participants, those practicing LKM with music reported significantly more low-arousal (32%) and pro-social positive emotions (28%) compared to sessions without music. The addition of melody did not yield different effects on emotions or meditation difficulties. While practice effects influenced medium-arousal emotions and concentration challenges, results suggest that integrating music could enrich the LKM experience, offering valuable insights for self-help interventions focused on compassion and well-being.
Abstract
Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) has been widely used in promoting mental health, with positive emotions as an important mechanism. The current stu...
[Video-Based Online Metta-Meditation Therapy for Depression: A Pilot Trial Evaluating the Acceptability and Feasibility].
Verhaltenstherapie – April 01, 2024
Summary
Video-based therapy using Metta meditation shows promising potential for treating depression, with eight participants reporting high acceptance levels. The program facilitated a strong therapeutic relationship and effectively taught meditation techniques, creating a focused environment. Participants expressed good feasibility of the intervention, highlighting its practicality during the Covid-19 pandemic. This approach not only fosters kindness towards oneself and others but also suggests that video-based interventions can be a valuable tool in mental health care, especially for those struggling with depressive disorders.
Abstract
In the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become clear what relevance non-contact psychotherapeutic online interventions in mental health care...
Meditation for Anxiety: A Holistic Approach to Treatment.
Journal of holistic nursing : official journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association – December 01, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness meditation emerges as a powerful tool for treating anxiety, with evidence supporting its effectiveness after just 8 weeks of practice. An extensive literature review highlighted various mindfulness techniques, including mindful breathing and yogic meditation, as safe and cost-effective interventions. With a diverse array of studies examined, the findings indicate that integrating mindfulness practices into primary care can significantly aid patients grappling with anxiety, offering them accessible strategies to enhance their mental well-being.
Abstract
This comprehensive integrated literature review provides evidence-based information on mindfulness meditation as a primary care treatment for anxie...
Effect of Heartfulness meditation based integrative therapy on infertility outcomes: A retrospective case series evaluation.
Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine – January 01, 2023
Summary
Heartfulness meditation significantly improved infertility outcomes, with 44% of participating couples conceiving after a structured program. Involving 54 couples (average age 30.74 for females, 34.03 for males), the initiative included a five-day lifestyle modification workshop and online meditation sessions. Among those, 18 achieved natural conception, five used assisted reproductive technology, and one experienced a spontaneous abortion. The approach not only addressed infertility but also alleviated stress and anxiety, demonstrating potential as an effective adjunct to traditional fertility treatments.
Abstract
In Indian context, infertility is often a silent struggle. Despite the high prevalence of infertility in the country, the majority of couples do no...
Assessment of well-being using Fitbit technology in college students, faculty and staff completing breathing meditation during COVID-19: A pilot study.
Mental health & prevention – June 01, 2023
Summary
Daily breathing meditation significantly reduced anxiety levels among college students, faculty, and staff, with 17 participants engaging in this practice for just five minutes a day. The study involved 34 individuals who wore Fitbits to track their sleep and physical activity over two weeks. Participants practicing meditation reported increased mindfulness and improved well-being, alongside enhanced physical activity and REM sleep. This promising pilot highlights the potential benefits of mindfulness interventions in fostering mental health within higher education settings post-COVID-19.
Abstract
This pilot study aimed to explore the intersection of mindfulness, physical activity, and mental well-being within higher education populations dur...
Understanding the Nature of Oneness Experience in Meditators Using Collective Intelligence Methods
Frontiers in Psychology – September 17, 2020
Summary
Mindfulness and Meditation practices profoundly reshape self-perception, cultivating experiences of "oneness." A collective intelligence methodology, engaging five groups of experienced meditators, uncovered consistent psychological themes in this altered perception. Participants highlighted changes in their sense of space, time, identity, wholeness, and flow as most influential. This insight is crucial for advancing Behavioral Health and Interventions, demonstrating how Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions can transform self-understanding. These findings also enrich the evolving field of social psychology.
Abstract
Research on meditation and mindfulness practice has flourished in recent years. While much of this research has focused on well-being outcomes asso...
Integrated Phenomenology and Brain Connectivity Demonstrate Changes in Nonlinear Processing in Jhana Advanced Meditation.
Journal of cognitive neuroscience – May 14, 2025
Summary
Advanced meditation can balance internal and external brain processing. Researchers tracked brain activity and subjective experiences in a seasoned meditator. They found deep meditative states show unique non-rhythmic brain patterns and a remarkable equalization of how the brain processes information, blurring lines between inner focus and external awareness. This reveals new insights into profound conscious states.
Abstract
We present a neurophenomenological case study investigating distinct neural connectivity regimes during an advanced concentrative absorption medita...
lived experience and transformational potential of 5 Rhythms dancing meditation
Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology – August 18, 2021
Summary
Many find deep personal growth through dancing meditation, a practice explored for its transformative potential. Researchers used intuitive inquiry and interviews with nine dancers. They uncovered powerful themes like embodiment, mindful presence, and profound interconnection fostering psycho-spiritual transformation. Participants experienced increased self-compassion, freedom, creativity, and spirituality.
Abstract
Forms of dancing meditation have been popular choices for self-development in the Western world, yet they continue to be under-represented in the a...