Please cite this article as: Lomas, T., Ivtzan, I., Fu, C.H.Y.,A systematic review of the neurophysiology of mindfulness on EEG oscillations, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews (2015), http://dx.doi.org/10. 1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.018 This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Running title: The neurophysiology of mindfulness 2 Abstract:Mindfulness meditation has been purported as a beneficial practice for wellbeing. It would be expected that the neurophysiology of mindfulness would reflect this impact on wellbeing.However, investigations of the effect of mindfulness have generated mixed reports of increases, decreases, as well as no differences in EEG oscillations in comparison with a resting state and a variety of tasks. We have performed systematic review of EEG studies of mindfulness meditation in order to determine any common effects and to identify factors which may impact on the effects. Databases were reviewed from 1966 to August 2015.Eligibility criteria included empirical quantitative analyses of mindfulness meditation practice and EEG measurements acquired in relation to practice. A total of 56 papers met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review, consisting of a total 1,715 subjects: 1,358 healthy individuals and 357 individuals with psychiatric diagnoses. Studies were principally examined for power outcomes in each bandwidth, in particular the power differentials between mindfulness and the control state, as well as outcomes relating to hemispheric asymmetry and event-related potentials. The systematic review revealed that mindfulness was most commonly associated with enhanced alpha and theta power as compared to an eyes closed resting state, although such outcomes were not uniformly reported. No consistent patterns were observed with respect to beta, delta and gamma bandwidths. In summary, mindfulness is associated with increased alpha and theta power in both healthy individuals and in patient groups. This co-presence of elevated alpha and theta may signify a state of relaxed alertness which is conducive to mental health.
Smartphones are revolutionizing approaches to wellbeing investment. Those seeking greater happiness can engage with thousands of downloadable self-help applications instantly, yet the effectiveness of these strategies remains unknown. As wellbeing can be significantly enhanced by positive psychological interventions, the present investigation explored the viability of delivering this content in application format to the happiness seekers it is targeting. A smartphone-based randomized-controlled trial was conducted with a self-selecting pool, randomly assigned to engage with an empirically based mindfulness intervention (n = 57) or a placebo intervention (n = 64) for ten days. The study explored the feasibility of smartphone intervention delivery, the importance of empirically based content and the extent to which subjective experience ratings related to wellbeing gains. Results showed engagement with the mindfulness application lead to significant gains in positive affect with a medium effect size and reduced depressive symptoms with a small effect size. No significant gains were observed in the control condition. Ratings of task enjoyment were positively associated with wellbeing gains. A positive trend was observed between task ease and gains made. Findings support the viability of smartphone-based interventions to significantly enhance wellbeing, underscoring the importance of application content and person-activity fit. This investigation presents implications for happiness seeking strategies in the real world whilst showcasing a dynamic method of intervention delivery that can benefit future research and practice. The greatest mission of positive psychology is to enhance global flourishing; the prevalence of smartphones and the potential of interventions may play a vital role.
Work can be demanding, imposing challenges that can be detrimental to the physical and mental health of workers. Efforts are therefore underway to develop practices and initiatives that may improve occupational wellbeing. These include interventions based on mindfulness meditation. This paper offers a systematic review of empirical studies featuring analyses of mindfulness in occupational contexts. Databases were reviewed from the start of records to January 2016. Eligibility criteria included experimental and correlative studies of mindfulness conducted in work settings, with a variety of wellbeing and performance measures. 153 papers met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review, comprising 12,571 participants. Mindfulness was generally associated with positive outcomes in relation to most measures. However, the quality of the studies was inconsistent, so further research is needed, particularly involving high-quality randomised control trials.
Positive psychology has tended to be defined in terms of a concern with 'positive' psychological qualities and states. However, critics of the field have highlighted various problems inherent in classifying phenomena as either 'positive' or 'negative.' For instance, ostensibly positive qualities (e.g., optimism) can sometimes be detrimental to wellbeing, whereas apparently negative processes (like anxiety) may at times be conducive to it. As such, over recent years, a more nuanced 'second wave' of positive psychology has been germinating, which explores the philosophical and conceptual complexities of the very idea of the 'positive.' The current paper introduces this emergent second wave by examining the ways in which the field is developing a more subtle understanding of the 'dialectical' nature of flourishing (i.e., involving a complex and dynamic interplay of positive and negative experiences). The paper does so by problematizing the notions of positive and negative through seven case studies, including five salient dichotomies (such as optimism versus pessimism) and two complex processes (posttraumatic growth and love). These case studies serve to highlight the type of critical, dialectical thinking that characterises this second wave, thereby outlining the contours of the evolving field.
Overall, mindfulness does appear to improve the well-being of healthcare professionals. However, the quality of the studies was inconsistent, so further research is needed, particularly high-quality randomized controlled trials.
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