Expert meditators show a lower decision threshold rather than higher accuracy in detecting near-threshold tactile stimuli, compared to non-meditators who read regularly. Electroencephalography revealed reduced prestimulus alpha power in meditators, suggesting enhanced alpha modulation. A trial-by-trial analysis found a negative correlation between prestimulus alpha activity and tactile perception. Meditators also reported greater interoceptive sensibility, less emotional suppression, and fewer difficulties describing feelings. These findings suggest that enhanced tactile perception in meditators may stem from reduced sensory filtering in the somatosensory cortex, increasing response rates without improving accuracy.
A randomized controlled trial compared mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to a reading/listening intervention in 68 adults. MBSR reduced self-reported stress through both cognitive reappraisal and acceptance, but only when regulating one's own emotions, not when regulating others' distress. MBSR increased brain activation in the parietal cortex for self-regulation and in the precuneus and temporoparietal junction for other-regulation via both strategies, though the reading intervention also increased activation for self-regulation via reappraisal. Brain changes did not correlate with subjective stress reduction or meditation practice. No effects on cognitive empathy or compassion were found, indicating that MBSR's benefits do not generalize to social settings.
Meditators show altered body awareness, but not through improved accuracy. Expert meditators (31) and matched controls (33) performed a somatosensory signal detection task. Meditators had a lower decision threshold for reporting touch, not higher accuracy. Prestimulus alpha power over the somatosensory cortex was lower in meditators, and lower alpha activity was linked to a greater likelihood of reporting touch. Meditators also self-reported higher interoceptive abilities. The findings suggest meditation may reduce sensory filtering, increasing response rate rather than perceptual accuracy.