A translational neuroscience perspective on mindfulness meditation as a prevention strategy.
Translational Behavioral Medicine March 1, 2016 DOI: 10.1007/s13142-015-0360-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness meditation Prevention science Self-regulation Translational neuroscience |
| Key findings | Mindfulness meditation improves psychological outcomes via self-regulation mechanisms linked to underlying brain systems. |
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation research mainly focuses on psychological outcomes such as behavioral, cognitive, and emotional functioning. However, the neuroscience literature on mindfulness meditation has grown in recent years. This paper provides an overview of relevant neuroscience and psychological research on the effects of mindfulness meditation. We propose a translational prevention framework of mindfulness and its effects. Drawing upon the principles of prevention science, this framework integrates neuroscience and prevention research and postulates underlying brain regulatory mechanisms that explain the impact of mindfulness on psychological outcomes via self-regulation mechanisms linked to underlying brain systems. We conclude by discussing potential clinical and practice implications of this model and directions for future research.