EEG signatures of mindfulness-based artistic–contemplative sound interventions: a pilot study on aesthetic states of consciousness
Frontiers in Psychology July 28, 2026 Hercules Morais, Débora Regina de Aguiar, Matheus Hissa Lourenço Ferreira et al.
A pilot proof-of-concept study examined the neurophysiological effects of mindfulness-based artistic–contemplative sound pills—structured auditory interventions combining poetic narratives, soundscapes, and mindfulness instructions—in 12 adults using EEG. Exploratory analyses indicated a statistically significant reduction in high-frequency beta activity (20–30 Hz) during the intervention compared to pre-intervention baseline, with a return toward baseline afterward. No significant global changes appeared in other frequency bands (alpha, theta, delta, mu, low-frequency beta, or combined theta+alpha). Subgroup analyses by artistic modality (visual arts, dance, music, theater) suggested descriptive, modality-specific patterns, but these are hypothesis-generating only due to very small subgroup sizes (n=2–4) and no control condition. The authors conclude the results provide preliminary evidence that such interventions can modulate neural oscillatory dynamics, particularly in high-frequency beta, and require confirmation in larger controlled studies.