Mindfulness and training attention

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mindfulness meditation depends heavily on brain areas involved in executive attention. Imaging studies of executive attention reveal a brain network that includes the anterior cingulate, anterior insula, and striatum. This brain network is responsible for the resolution of conflict and is more generally critical to self-regulation. The efficiency of the executive network can be improved by two forms of training. One form involves sustained practice on the conflict tasks that activate this network. A second form involves changing one’s brain state through the use of mindfulness meditation, as captured in Integrative Body-Mind Training. In this chapter, we first briefly introduce the attentional networks and then discuss the two forms of training. In the latter case, we also discuss the downstream effects of training on improving attention, emotion and stress regulation, and reduction of some forms of psychopathology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHandbook of Mindfulness and Self-Regulation
PublisherSpringer New York
Pages23-32
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781493922635
ISBN (Print)9781493922628
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anterior cingulate cortex
  • Attention deficits
  • Attention networks
  • Attention training
  • Effortful control
  • Executive attention
  • Mindfulness
  • Self-regulation
  • Working memory training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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