Physiological Responses to Clicks during Zen, Yoga, and TM Meditation
David E. Becker, David Shapiro
Psychophysiology November 1, 1981 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.1981.tb01846.x (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractExperienced Zen, Yoga, and Transcendental Meditation meditators and control groups listened to auditory clicks during meditation. EEG alpha suppression and skin conductance response showed clear habituation that did not differ among groups, failing to replicate earlier claims that these meditation styles produce distinct states of consciousness. The N100, P200, and P300 components of the EEG evoked potential were also measured.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Replication and extension Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Very experienced Zen, Yoga, and TM meditators with average lengths of experience of 7.5 years, 5 years, and 7 years, respectively, and two groups of controls |
| Intervention | meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | N100 Habituation Psychology Audiology |
| Citations | 55 |
| Key finding | EEG alpha suppression and skin conductance response showed clear habituation that did not differ among groups, failing to replicate earlier studies. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Two studies have been widely quoted as indicating the differing states of consciousness in Zen vs Yoga meditation. A replication and extension were attempted. Very experienced Zen, Yoga, and TM meditators with average lengths of experience of 7.5 yrs, 5 yrs, and 7 yrs, respectively, and two groups of controls were presented with auditory clicks during meditation. EEG alpha suppression and skin conductance response both showed clear habituation which did not differ among groups, thus failing to replicate the earlier studies. The N100, P200, and P300 components of the EEG average evoked potential were also measured.