The Psychology of Habit Change: A Behavioral Science Perspective on Meditation as a Mechanism of Change
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE August 16, 2025 Amira Arora
Meditation, especially mindfulness-based practices, may aid habit change by enhancing meta-awareness and disrupting automatic behavioral loops. Drawing on dual-process theories, reinforcement learning, and self-regulation models, the review proposes an integrative framework bridging cognitive neuroscience, contemplative psychology, and behavior analysis. Neuroplasticity and attentional control are discussed as mediating factors, supported by neuroimaging studies. Evidence is synthesized across domains such as substance use, emotional regulation, digital behavior, and eating patterns. Methodological weaknesses include self-report bias, limited longitudinal data, and inconsistent definitions of mindfulness. The authors argue for future controlled trials, mechanistic specificity, and diverse populations to better understand how contemplative practices reshape automaticity and support sustained habit transformation.