Neural correlates of meditation-induced changes in self-related traits: a resting state fMRI study.
Mindfulness June 4, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-026-02885-9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 64 |
| Population | Healthy adults |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Stress Management Education |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Compassion Empathy Reflection Rumination Self-referential |
| Registration | NCT01488422 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction training was associated with improvements in self-judgment, self-kindness, rumination, and reflection, with changes in brain regions linked to executive functioning and empathy. |
Abstract
Meditation training can influence various self-related traits, such as self-judgment (SJ), self-kindness (SK), rumination (RUM) and reflection (REF), but little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. This study aimed to elucidate the neural correlates of changes in traits of SJ, SK, RUM, and REF in response to mindfulness meditation training. Secondary data analyses were conducted on pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and resting state fMRI data collected in a prior mechanistic neuroimaging Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) that compared 8 weeks of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR, n=39) to an active control program of Stress Management Education (SME) (n=25) among healthy adults. Voxelwise Amplitudes of Low Frequency Fluctuations (ALFF) were calculated from resting state fMRI as a measurement of magnitudes of spontaneous brain activity. Linear mixed effects model analyses found no significant group by time interaction effects with any of the outcome measures. The MBSR group had significant improvements in all four trait measures, whereas the control group only had significant improvements in SJ and SK (p < 0.05). Linear regression analyses were conducted to predict voxelwise ALFF changes (ΔALFF) using questionnaire score changes (Δ). Within the MBSR group, ΔSK was positively associated with ΔALFF at the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), while ΔRUM and ΔREF respectively had negative and positive associations with ΔALFF in the Temporal Parietal Junction (TPJ). Different neural correlates were observed in the control group. These findings suggest that meditation training can influence self-related traits through adaptive changes in brain regions involved in executive functioning (DLPFC) and empathy (TPJ). The original RCT was registered as NCT01488422 at ClinicalTrials.gov, accessible at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01488422.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 23
- The Brain's Default Mode Network Annual Review of Neuroscience May 4, 2015
- Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2012
- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation versus relaxation training: Effects on distress, positive states of mind, rumination, and distraction Annals of Behavioral Medicine February 1, 2007
- Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Stress and Health March 15, 2010
- The Empirical Status of Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review of 44 Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials Perspectives on Psychological Science February 16, 2021
and 18 more in the library