Psychobiological mechanisms underlying the mood benefits of meditation: A narrative review.
Compr Psychoneuroendocrinol March 10, 2021 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100037 (opens in new tab) via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis narrative review examines the psychobiological mechanisms that may explain how meditation improves mood. The authors discuss evidence that meditation practices can influence brain regions involved in emotion regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, and may reduce stress-related physiological markers like cortisol levels. The review also considers changes in inflammatory processes and autonomic nervous system function. While the literature suggests these pathways contribute to mood enhancement, the authors note that the evidence is preliminary and that more rigorous studies are needed to establish causal mechanisms.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Meditation may improve mood through effects on brain regions involved in emotion regulation, stress hormones, inflammation, and autonomic nervous system function, but causal mechanisms remain unclear. |
Abstract
Psychobiological mechanisms underlying the mood benefits of meditation: A narrative review.