Shiri Lavy

2 papers in the library · 280 citations · publishing 2011-2015

Papers

Enhanced response inhibition during intensive meditation training predicts improvements in self-reported adaptive socioemotional functioning.

Emotion (Washington, D.C.) April 1, 2011 Baljinder K Sahdra, Katherine A Maclean, Emilio Ferrer et al. 203 citations

Three months of intensive meditation training in an isolated retreat setting improved sustained self-regulatory control, measured by a response inhibition task, and adaptive socioemotional functioning, a latent factor combining measures of attachment, mindfulness, empathy, personality traits, emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, and well-being. A wait-list control group showed no improvement until they underwent the same training. Gains in both self-regulation and adaptive functioning were sustained at a 5-month follow-up. Dynamic modeling indicated that improvements in self-regulation drove later changes in adaptive functioning, supporting the Buddhist claim that enhanced self-regulation is a precursor to emotional well-being.

DOI: 10.1037/a0022764 Full text Meditation Self-regulation Emotional well-being

Intensive meditation training influences emotional responses to suffering.

Emotion (Washington, D.C.) December 1, 2015 Erika L Rosenberg, Anthony P Zanesco, Brandon G King et al. 77 citations

Three months of intensive meditation training—daily practice in attention and compassion techniques—alters emotional responses to human suffering. In a randomized trial, 60 participants were assigned to either a meditation retreat or a wait-list control. At post-training, those who meditated showed more facial expressions of sadness and fewer expressions of anger, contempt, and disgust when viewing film scenes of suffering, compared to controls. Self-reported sympathy, but not sadness or distress, predicted these sad expressions and reduced rejection emotions in the training group. The results suggest that intensive meditation fosters enhanced sympathetic concern for others and reduced aversion to their suffering.

DOI: 10.1037/emo0000080 Full text Meditation training Mindfulness practice Contemplative training Retreat experience +21