Interbrain connectivity during mindfulness and meditation: narrative review of hyperscanning research.
Frontiers in cognition January 1, 2026 Lorne Schussel
Interbrain synchrony—the alignment of brain activity between two or more people—increases during mindfulness and meditation practices, especially when partners share a goal or perform cooperative tasks. A review of seven studies found that synchrony in theta, alpha, delta, and gamma brainwave bands emerged across different protocols. Anterior theta synchrony appeared during cooperation after mindfulness induction; motor tasks with shared breathing and mirroring produced alpha, theta, and delta coherence in frontal regions; and gamma synchrony rose in socio-emotional exercises and among expert meditators practicing together. Lower-frequency coupling strengthened when breath focus was combined with a shared goal. The evidence suggests that interbrain synchrony varies with expertise, task type, and personality traits like agreeableness.