The dynamic framework of mind wandering revisited: How mindful meta-awareness affects mental states' constraints.
Shaghayegh Konjedi, Reza Maleeh
Consciousness and Cognition October 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2021.103194 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Cognitive control Dynamic framework Mental flexibility Mindful meta-awareness Spontaneous thought |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key points | Argues that incorporating mindful meta-awareness modifies the dynamic framework of mind wandering, altering its criteria and allowing lucid dreaming to be categorized as unguided thought dependent on deliberate constraints. |
Abstract
The dynamic framework of mind wandering (Christoff, Irving, Fox, Spreng, & Andrews-Hanna, 2016) is reviewed and modified through integrating the construct of mindful meta-awareness. The dynamic framework maintains that mind wandering belongs to a family of spontaneous thought phenomena. The key defining feature of mind wandering is 'spontaneity' which characterizes the dynamic nature of thoughts in the framework. The argument is made that incorporating the mindful meta-awareness construct modifies the dynamic framework as follows: (1) the framework's criteria for mind wandering do not hold anymore as meta-awareness changes the relationship between thoughts and constraints, and (2) lucid dreaming can be categorized as unguided thought while at the same time being dependent on deliberate constraints. Finally, the application of this modified framework will be discussed in terms of the treatment of mental disorders related to spontaneous thought alterations, in particular depression and nightmares.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- The influence of mindfulness meditation on mind wandering and its mechanism Advances in Psychological Science 2023
- Dispositional Mindfulness and Its Impact on the Relationship Between Anxiety, Quality of Life, and Insomnia in Older Adults Research Square September 10, 2026
- The Cognitive and Neural Dimensions of Consciousness in Self-Inquiry Practice Mind and Matter June 30, 2026
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and 59 more in the library