Excessive self-focus, or selfishness, is common in modern culture, and while some self-focus is adaptive, rigid self-fixation harms psychological, interpersonal, and social well-being. Deconstructive meditations, contemplative practices that use self-inquiry to examine perception, cognition, and emotion, may help cultivate a more flexible, less self-centered perspective. These practices reduce identification with self-narratives and promote psychological flexibility, according to contemplative neuroscience. However, empirical research on these meditations is limited and needs further investigation. This article reviews the practices, their links to psychotherapy, and potential therapeutic applications, discussing clinical implications and future research directions to validate their impact on mental health.
The field of contemplative sciences should expand beyond the dominant focus on mindfulness to include a broader range of contemplative practices and traditions. The authors argue that limiting research primarily to mindfulness risks narrowing the scope of inquiry and missing insights from other contemplative methods, such as compassion practices, body-based techniques, and diverse cultural traditions. They advocate for a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach that draws on philosophy, neuroscience, and anthropology to deepen understanding of human experience and well-being.
Treating nightmares in people with schizophrenia may reduce their psychotic symptoms. The finding suggests a link between nightmare distress and the severity of psychosis, indicating that addressing sleep disturbances could be a therapeutic target.