The Psychology of Habit Change: A Behavioral Science Perspective on Meditation as a Mechanism of Change
Amira Arora
Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Science August 16, 2025 DOI: 10.15640/jpbs.v13p5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Proposes that meditation, particularly mindfulness-based practices, contributes to habit change by enhancing meta-awareness and disrupting automatic behavioral loops, supported by neuroimaging evidence and an integrative framework bridging cognitive neuroscience, contemplative psychology, and behavior analysis. |
Abstract
This review critically examines how meditation, particularly mindfulness-based practices, contributes to habit change through mechanisms grounded in behavioral science. Drawing on dual-process theories, reinforcement learning, and self-regulation models, the paper explores how meditation enhances meta- awareness, disrupts automatic behavioral loops, and facilitates intentional change. Neuroplasticity and attentional control are discussed as mediating factors, supported by neuroimaging studies. The review synthesizes evidence across domains such as substance use, emotional regulation, digital behavior, and eating patterns, while also addressing methodological weaknesses including self-report bias, limited longitudinal data, and inconsistencies in defining mindfulness. An integrative framework is proposed, bridging cognitive neuroscience, contemplative psychology, and behavior analysis. Future research should focus on controlled trials, mechanistic specificity, and diverse populations. By situating meditation within established behavioral paradigms, this review offers a grounded yet innovative perspective on how contemplative practices can reshape automaticity and support sustained habit transformation.
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 |