Lived experience is shaped by intersubjective, social, cultural, and historical dimensions. Neurophenomenology, which integrates first-person experiential and third-person neurobehavioural perspectives, reveals mutual constraints between them. This article argues the scientific community is ready to adopt a generative neurophenomenology, clarifying three meanings of 'generative' as applied to phenomenology, passages, and models. It proposes combining methods: transitioning from individual to multiple people phenomenology, expanding neuroscience to include multimodal interpersonal synchrony, and leveraging computational tools to integrate viewpoints. It underscores that using computational approaches does not endorse computationalism. Clinical relevance is illustrated with case studies in autism and family therapy, demonstrating translational potential.
Neurophenomenology, which combines first-person experience with third-person neurobehavioral data, is extended to address intersubjective and social dimensions of lived experience. The article clarifies three meanings of 'generative'—generative phenomenology, generative passages, and generative models—and proposes updating the approach by moving from individual to multiple-person phenomenology, including measures of multimodal interpersonal synchrony, and using computational tools to integrate viewpoints without endorsing computationalism. Clinical relevance is illustrated through case studies in autism (interactive dyads) and family therapy (multiple members), showing translational potential.
A proposed theoretical model suggests that mindfulness meditation training improves interpersonal relationships by increasing self-awareness, self-regulation, and prosociality, which in turn enhance the quality of interactions and socioemotional support provided to others. Better support then boosts the recipient's emotion regulation. A study protocol aims to validate this tri-process model using a multiphasic longitudinal design with 640 participants randomized into 480 dyads. The work has theoretical and social implications for developing more effective interpersonal mindfulness programs.