Adaptive Attention Processes in Mindfulness Meditation: An EEG-based Review of Modifiable Neural Correlates.
L. Rosenfeld, Rebecca L. Silton, Erica K Yuen
Behavioural Brain Research July 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2026.116399 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The review demonstrates emerging evidence of durable neuroplasticity linked to beneficial psychological outcomes from mindfulness meditation, mediated by changes in attention networks including the executive control network and default mode network. |
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.
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 |
Citations in the library
Cites 52
- The Brain's Default Mode Network Annual Review of Neuroscience May 4, 2015
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
- Mindfulness Training Improves Working Memory Capacity and GRE Performance While Reducing Mind Wandering Psychological Science March 28, 2013
- Mental Training Affects Distribution of Limited Brain Resources PLoS Biology May 4, 2007
and 47 more in the library