NEUROSOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON NEW AGE PRACTICES: MEDITATION AND MINDFULLNESS
Sosyal bilimler akademi dergisi March 9, 2025 Burcu Doğan Koçak
New Age practices, particularly meditation and mindfulness, produce measurable neuronal changes in specific brain regions that reduce stress and anxiety. A neurosociological evaluation combining literature review and in-depth interviews with ten regular practitioners found that these eclectic and syncretic techniques—blending spiritual, mystical, esoteric, and scientific elements—impact both individual neural functioning and broader social behaviors. The findings align with existing neuroscience research demonstrating how such practices bridge sociology and neuroscience.