Journal of Student Research
November 30, 2023
Lisa D. Ordóñez
1 citation
A content analysis of 21st-century neuroscientific literature on meditation and creative flow reveals overlapping neural mechanisms that may characterize the flourishing human brain. Both states show increased activity in the VLPFC, DLPFC, and parietal regions, enhancing emotional and attentional regulation. Aligned deactivations occur in the amygdala and default mode network (including mPFC and PCC), along with increased theta and alpha oscillations and an inverse relationship between the default mode and central executive networks. These patterns suggest that enhanced emotional and attentional processing underlies mental wellbeing, pointing toward future research in positive neuroscience.
Journal of Student Research
November 30, 2024
Arman Fard, Amy N. Cohen
Psychedelics such as psilocybin show promise for treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. Psilocybin acts as an agonist on brain receptors, decreasing overactivity in regions linked to anxiety and depression. Its effects require fewer doses and last longer than current pharmaceuticals. When combined with therapy, psilocybin psychotherapy reduces depressive symptoms, aids addiction by increasing sobriety, and relieves PTSD by cultivating trust and reducing fear. The authors argue for regulated, federally approved integration of psilocybin into medical practice to improve mental health outcomes in the United States.
Journal of Student Research
November 30, 2024
Olga Stefańska, Maksymilian Matuszewski
Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric disorder with low long-term recovery rates under current treatments. Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) may address underlying psychological issues and comorbid disorders. A systematic review of nine studies found a robust positive effect across various psychedelic compounds, including decreased self-reported symptoms, weight gain, and reduced comorbidities. However, reliance on self-reporting, small sample sizes, and lack of blinding and placebo controls challenge the interpretation of results and risk biased reporting. The limited data suggest PAT may be effective, but caution is needed due to significant limitations affecting validity.
Journal of Student Research
August 31, 2024
Dylan Hyun Oh, Jong Seung Yang
Korean shamanism, rooted in ancient rites and practices, serves as a foundation for age-old customs. This analysis explores the origins, evolution, and rituals of shamanistic rites, highlighting their role in spiritual healing, communal cohesiveness, and preserving Korea's cultural legacy. Rituals facilitate powerful spiritual experiences, promoting individual and group healing, strengthening community ties, and maintaining cultural heritage. The study aims to reveal how accessing spiritual worlds builds communal resilience and sustains Korean culture, contributing to an understanding of how shamanistic customs continue to shape Korea's spiritual and cultural identity today.
Journal of Student Research
August 31, 2024
Sean Bogaty, Johnny Lopez-Figueroa
The effects of psychedelics on consciousness include both short-term and long-term changes that influence metaphysical beliefs, perceptions of reality, and brain functions. Short-term effects involve altered states of consciousness, while long-term effects may shift individuals' metaphysical beliefs and perceptions. The investigation used search engines like Google Scholar and Ebsco Host to find relevant sources, despite challenges such as a faulty computer and censorship on Ebsco Host. The sources gathered provided sufficient information to address the research question.
Journal of Student Research
November 30, 2023
Seong‐Sik Park
Alzheimer's Disease, a neurodegenerative condition without a known cure, may be managed by combining existing treatments with lifestyle changes and meditation. This review of current scientific literature examines how meditation, as an adjuvant therapy, could boost the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapy, and cognitive therapy by providing cognitive stimulation. The paper argues that incorporating meditation into standard care may help reduce neurodegeneration and minimize the harmful effects of the disease.
Journal of Student Research
November 30, 2023
Nancy Lei, Yikuan Lee
A two-week guided meditation program reduced test anxiety and improved mindfulness in 60 honors Algebra 2 high school students. Students practiced five minutes of meditation during each class period and before bed. Pre- and post-surveys showed significant improvement in mindfulness and reduction in test anxiety, with 75% of comparisons reaching significance. Students who meditated both in class and before bed showed better results than those who meditated only in class.
Journal of Student Research
November 20, 2020
Rebeccah Fleischmann, Michael I Posner
A week of daily mindfulness meditation improved both mindfulness and working memory in high school students. Mindfulness scores rose by 0.8 points on average in the meditation group, compared to 0.03 points in a running control group. Memory test scores increased by 40.3% for the meditation group versus 8.3% for the control group. The study used a pre-post survey design with random assignment to either a mindfulness meditation group or a running control group, addressing a gap in research on meditation's effects on high school students' working memory.