A brief mindfulness induction altered functional brain networks in intimate partner dyads, reducing coherence within the Default Mode Network and increasing connectivity within the Frontoparietal Control and Salience Networks, while decoupling primary visual and attention-linked networks. However, these neural changes did not translate into reduced intimate partner aggression, and aggression was broadly unassociated with any network indices. The findings suggest that minimal doses of focused attention meditation can produce transient changes in large-scale brain networks, but their implications for aggressive behavior remain uncertain.
A brief mindfulness induction—a single session of focused attention meditation—altered large-scale brain networks in intimate partner dyads. In 100 participants (50 couples), mindfulness instruction reduced coherence within the Default Mode Network and increased connectivity in the Frontoparietal Control and Salience Networks, while decoupling visual and attention-linked networks. However, these neural changes did not translate into reduced intimate partner aggression, and aggression was unrelated to any network measures. The results suggest that minimal doses of mindfulness can produce transient brain network changes, but their behavioral implications for aggression remain unclear.