Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise
Gary E. Schwartz, Richard J. Davidson, Daniel J. Goleman
Psychosomatic Medicine June 1, 1978 DOI: 10.1097/00006842-197806000-00004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Retrospective study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 77 |
| Population | Regular practitioners of physical exercise or meditation |
| Interventions | physical exercise meditation |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Cognition Relaxation psychology Somatic anxiety Somatic cell Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 398 |
| Key points | Physical exercise was associated with less somatic anxiety and more cognitive anxiety compared to meditation. |
Abstract
Davidson and Schwartz (1) have proposed a psychobiological analysis of anxiety that emphasizes the patterning of multiple processes in the generation and self-regulation of this state. The present article specifically reviews recent research on cognitive and somatic components of anxiety. A dual component scale which separately assesses cognitive and somatic trait anxiety is described and applied to the study of the differential effects of a somatic (physical exercise) and a cognitive (meditation) relaxation procedure. A total of 77 subjects was employed; 44 regularly practiced physical exercise and 33 regularly practiced meditation for comparable periods of time. As predicted, subjects practicing physical exercise reported relatively less somatic and more cognitive anxiety than meditators. These data suggest that specific subcomponents of anxiety may be differentially associated with relaxation techniques engaging primarily cognitive versus somatic subsystems. It is proposed that relaxation consists of (1) a generalized reduction to multiple physiological systems (termed the relaxation response by Benson) and (2) a more specific pattern of changes superimposed upon this general reduction, which is elicited by the particular techniques employed. The data from this retrospective study need to be followed up by prospective studies to establish the precise mechanisms for these effects.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder | 2015 | Observational study | |
| Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Healthy humans | 2020 | Observational study | |
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |
| Pain Attenuation through Mindfulness is Associated with Decreased Cognitive Control and Increased Sensory Processing in the Brain Mindfulness practitioners and controls | 2011 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- The Relevance of Meditation to Clinical Practice: An Overview Applied Psychology July 1, 1990
- MATURE CONTEMPLATION Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science June 2, 1993
- Long deep breathing Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation September 1, 1998
- Effect of meditation on cognitive functions in context of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience January 27, 2014
- Some reflections on the origins of MBSR, skillful means, and the trouble with maps June 14, 2011
and 5 more in the library