Open monitoring meditation reduces the involvement of brain regions related to memory function
Masahiro Fujino, Yoshiyuki Ueda, H. Mizuhara, J. Saiki, M. Nomura
Scientific Reports July 2, 2018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28274-4 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractBoth focused attention meditation (FAM) and open monitoring meditation (OMM) reduce functional connectivity between the striatum and the posterior cingulate cortex, a core hub of the default mode network (DMN). OMM specifically reduces connectivity of the ventral striatum with the visual cortex (linked to intentional focused attention) and the retrosplenial cortex (linked to memory in the DMN), while FAM increases connectivity in these regions. The findings suggest that OMM reduces intentional focused attention and increases detachment from autobiographical memory, which may underlie the non-judgmental and non-reactive attitude cultivated during this practice.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 17 |
| Population | Experienced meditators |
| Interventions | Focused attention meditation Open monitoring meditation |
| Keywords | Psychology Medicine |
| Key finding | Open monitoring meditation reduces functional connectivity of the ventral striatum with the visual cortex and retrosplenial cortex, whereas focused attention meditation increases connectivity in these regions. |
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation consists of focused attention meditation (FAM) and open monitoring meditation (OMM), both of which reduce activation of the default mode network (DMN) and mind-wandering. Although it is known that FAM requires intentional focused attention, the mechanisms of OMM remain largely unknown. To investigate this, we examined striatal functional connectivity in 17 experienced meditators (mean total practice hours = 920.6) during pre-resting, meditation, and post-resting states comparing OMM with FAM, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Both FAM and OMM reduced functional connectivity between the striatum and posterior cingulate cortex, which is a core hub region of the DMN. Furthermore, OMM reduced functional connectivity of the ventral striatum with both the visual cortex related to intentional focused attention in the attentional network and retrosplenial cortex related to memory function in the DMN. In contrast, FAM increased functional connectivity in these regions. Our findings suggest that OMM reduces intentional focused attention and increases detachment from autobiographical memory. This detachment may play an important role in non-judgmental and non-reactive attitude during OMM. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the contribution of OMM to well-being and happiness.