Brain-computer interfaces in digital mindfulness training for metacognitive, emotional and attention regulation skills: a literature review
Eleni Mitsea, Athanasios Drigas, Charalabos A. Skianis
Research, Society and Development February 18, 2023 DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v12i3.40247 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Literature review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Brain–computer interface Neurofeedback Metacognition Flexibility engineering Psychological intervention Electroencephalography Cognitive psychology Cognitive flexibility Applied psychology Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key findings | The use of BCIs in mindfulness training helps subjects self-regulate mental and emotional functions and develop awareness and self-regulation skills including inhibition and flexibility. |
Abstract
Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are specialized systems that allow users to control computer applications using their brain waves. With the arrival of consumer-grade electroencephalography (EEG) equipment, brain-controlled systems began to find fertile ground in mental training. One particular area that is gradually gaining attention is that of mindfulness training. In this paper, the results of a literature review of BCI-assisted mindfulness training using BCI’s are presented. The specific aim is to review the effects of BCIs embedded in mindfulness interventions on training metacognitive, emotional, and attention regulation skills. Papers published the last 10 years were reviewed. The results showed that the use of BCIs provides subjects the unique opportunity to self-regulate mental and emotional functions using the feedback derived from their own brain activity. Subjects were found to raise better awareness about the ways non-conscious operations influence mental and emotional states. It was observed that subjects by learning to deal with the neurofeedback within immersive worlds or with the aid of mobile devices can better develop awareness and self-regulation skills including inhibition and flexibility. Learning environments have been undergoing rapid change driven by the evolution and availability of digital technologies. In that vein, BCIs combined with mobiles and immersive technologies could support mindfulness as an innovative practice for cognitive, emotional, and metacognitive development. This study aims to contribute to the debate about the use of BCI-assisted mindfulness practices as proactive methods and training strategies for various target groups such as students, teachers, and workers to achieve well-being and peak performance.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 23
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 8, 2004
- A systematic review of neurobiological and clinical features of mindfulness meditations Psychological Medicine November 27, 2009
- Research Review: The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on cognition and mental health in children and adolescents – a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry October 22, 2018
- A systematic review of the neurophysiology of mindfulness on EEG oscillations Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 2015
and 18 more in the library