Mindfulness on the brain: a review of structural and functional MRI findings in mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Stacy Ruther, Eric S. Jackson, Eric vanSonnenberg
European journal of radiology February 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2025.112619 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Topics | Default mode network Meditation |
| Keywords | Brain networks Emotion regulation Functional MRI Functional connectivity Mindfulness-based stress reduction Salience network |
| Key findings | MBSR appears to influence brain function more than structure, with consistent enhancement of activity and connectivity in networks that support emotion regulation, self-referential processing, and attention. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based program that integrates meditation, bodily awareness, and yoga to manage stress and reduce anxiety. Neuroimaging studies suggest that MBSR modulates brain networks involved in emotion regulation, self-awareness, and attention, though findings remain inconsistent. Structural and functional MRI (fMRI) have been used to investigate these effects, focusing on default mode, salience, limbic, and central executive networks. To synthesize MRI and fMRI research on the effects of MBSR on brain structure, neural activation, and functional connectivity, with emphasis on networks related to emotion and attention regulation. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify studies published between 2009-2024 on MBSR and neuroimaging. Search terms included yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, MRI, fMRI, and neuroimaging. Of 586 articles screened, 27 met inclusion criteria, comprising 9 structural MRI, 10 neural activation, and 11 functional connectivity studies. Structural MRI findings were inconsistent; most studies reported no significant gray matter changes. Small studies noted modest increases in hippocampal and amygdala volume. In contrast, fMRI consistently demonstrated functional changes across key networks. Neural activation studies showed increased activity in the superior parietal lobule, posterior cingulate cortex, and prefrontal regions. Functional connectivity studies reported enhanced coupling between the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala. MBSR appears to influence brain function more than structure, with consistent enhancement of activity and connectivity in networks that support emotion regulation, self-referential processing, and attention. Findings suggest improved top-down regulation of emotion, though study heterogeneity limits conclusions.
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
Cited by 4
- Changes in Depressive Symptoms Following Mindfulness Training in Female Patients With Abdominal or Abdominopelvic Cancer: A Preliminary Non-Randomized Controlled Study. Psycho-Oncology August 1, 2026
- The Role of Meditation in Shaping Resilience. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences May 1, 2026
- Mindfulness-based intervention for patients with generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2026
- Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction for depression in post-stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2026
Cites 27
- The Brain's Default Mode Network Annual Review of Neuroscience May 4, 2015
- The precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex plays a pivotal role in the default mode network: Evidence from a partial correlation network analysis Neuroimage June 13, 2008
- 20 years of the default mode network: A review and synthesis Neuron May 10, 2023
- Neural mechanisms of symptom improvements in generalized anxiety disorder following mindfulness training NeuroImage: Clinical 2013
- Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity and mindfulness in clinical and non-clinical contexts: A review and synthesis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews February 22, 2022
and 22 more in the library