Neurobehavioural Correlates of Breath Meditation in Novice Adolescents: Insights from Anapanasati-based Paradigm.
Annals of neurosciences April 2, 2025 Mannu Brahmi, Dushyant Soni, Shreya Sarkar et al. 9 citations
A breath-awareness meditation intervention adapted from Ānāpānasati increased alpha brain oscillations in adolescent novice meditators, indicating relaxation. Beta power in occipital and midline default mode network regions during breath counting and focus stages was positively associated with breath count, suggesting enhanced visual and cognitive processing. Self-reported blissfulness during counting correlated with enhanced state mindfulness and showed a negative association with theory of mind. State mindfulness correlated with increased frontal alpha activity, while theory of mind negatively predicted frontal alpha power. Exploratory analysis indicated females showed greater frontal beta activity and state mindfulness. The findings suggest an inverse relationship between inward-focused mindfulness and outward-directed social cognitive states in adolescents.