Envisioning a Future Contemplative Science of Mindfulness: Fruitful Methods and New Content for the Next Wave of Research.

Mindfulness, an ancient spiritual practice and behavioral technique that fosters non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, is gaining attention across academic and clinical fields. To guide future research, four priority areas are proposed: developing performance-based measures of mindfulness, scientifically evaluating Buddhist claims, exploring the neurophenomenology of mindfulness, and measuring mindfulness-induced changes in gene expression. Integrating traditional meditative wisdom with advanced empirical methods may advance contemplative science.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mindfulness is an ancient spiritual practice as well as a unique behavioral technique involving the cultivation of non-judgmental, non-reactive, metacognitive awareness of present-moment experience. Given the growing interest in mindfulness across numerous academic and clinical disciplines, an agenda is needed to guide the next wave of research. Here, we suggest four areas that, in our view, are important for a future contemplative science of mindfulness: performance-based measures of mindfulness, scientific evaluation of Buddhist claims, neurophenomenology of mindfulness, and measuring changes in mindfulness-induced gene expression. By exploring these domains, the wisdom of the meditative traditions may be complemented by leading-edge empirical research methodologies.