Adaptive Attention Processes in Mindfulness Meditation: An EEG-based Review of Modifiable Neural Correlates.

Abstract

Mindfulness meditation has been studied for its many health benefits, yet the neural mechanisms that facilitate these benefits are still opaque. The present review examines adaptive attention processes and associated dynamic brain networks (e.g., executive control network, default mode network) that are engaged during mindfulness meditation, demonstrating emerging evidence of durable neuroplasticity linked to beneficial psychological outcomes. Electroencephalography (EEG) methods offer high-resolution chronometry of cortical neural processes and are necessary to investigate the rapid dynamics of adaptive attention processes that are changed due to mindfulness meditation. Here we review EEG methodologies that have been used to investigate attention processes in the context of mindfulness meditation, and discuss how malleable attention networks, in particular the executive control network, and the default mode network influence adaptive attention processes, which in turn leads to reduced psychological distress and improved emotional wellbeing. This review emphasizes an interdisciplinary perspective on bridging neurocognitive methodologies of attention processes with clinical outcomes on which to build future evidenced-based mindfulness meditation strategies and interventions.