Lightening the Mind with Audiovisual Stimulation as an Accessible Alternative to Breath-Focused Meditation for Mood and Cognitive Enhancement

Abstract

In this large sample study (n=262), the effects of stroboscopic stimulation, with and without binaural beats, are compared to breath-focused meditation in terms of mood and cognition enhancement. Prior research highlighted neural entrainment uniquely associated with the binaural beat condition. The current findings indicate that both variants of stroboscopic stimulation significantly improve numerous self-reported mood states, reducing negative affects like anxiety and depression, and enhancing performance in mood-sensitive cognitive tasks. These improvements closely align with those achieved through breath-focused meditation, positioning stroboscopic stimulation as a potentially more accessible “plug-and-play” alternative for mood enhancement. A noteworthy discovery is that a brief exposure of approximately five-and-a-half minutes to stroboscopic stimulation may be optimal, offering mood enhancement comparable to or greater than longer meditation sessions. This aspect is especially relevant considering the high attrition rates commonly observed in regular meditation practices. Employing a rigorous methodological framework, the study positions stroboscopic stimulation as a promising avenue for psychological enhancement, paralleling the benefits associated with a single session of meditation.