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The role of mindfulness on theta inter-brain synchrony during cooperation feedback processing: An EEG-based hyperscanning study.

Xinmei Deng, Meng Yang, Xiaomin Chen, Yong Zhan

International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP July 17, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100396 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 82
Population Dyads of interacting individuals performing a computer-based cooperative game task
Intervention Mindfulness audio guidance
Duration 15-minute mindfulness exercise
Measures Phase locking value (PLV), reaction times (RTs), success rates
Topics Meditation
Keywords Cooperation Feedback processing EEG Hyperscanning Inter-brain synchrony
Key findings Mindfulness dyads showed greater theta inter-brain synchrony during cooperative tasks than non-mindfulness dyads. Theta synchrony was also greater in successful cooperation conditions than failure conditions, and greater in frontal than parietal-occipital regions during success. The authors propose these findings expand the neural basis of mindfulness effects on cooperation feedback processing.

Abstract

Mindfulness appears to improve empathy and understanding in relationships, which are necessary for successful cooperation. However, the impact of mindfulness on cooperation has not been fully studied. This study used hyperscanning technique to examine the effect of mindfulness on the inter-brain synchrony of interacting individuals during the cooperative tasks. Forty-one dyads were randomly assigned to a mindfulness group or a non-mindfulness group. Dyads of the mindfulness group performed a short mindfulness exercise following a 15-minute mindfulness audio guidance. Dyads of the non-mindfulness group were instructed to rest quietly with their eyes closed. Then, simultaneously and continuously EEG was recorded from all dyads when they completed a computer-based cooperative game task. Reaction times (RTs) and success rates were used to indicate the behavioral performance, and phase locking value (PLV) was used to indicate the inter-brain synchrony. The results showed that (1) Greater theta inter-brain synchrony during the cooperative computer game tasks was observed in the mindfulness group than in the non-mindfulness group; (2) Greater theta inter-brain synchrony was observed in the successful cooperation conditions as compared to those in the failure cooperation conditions; (3) Greater theta inter-brain synchrony was observed at the frontal region as compared to those at the parietal-occipital region in the successful cooperation condition. The results expand the neural basis of the effects of mindfulness on cooperation feedback processing.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment 2003 Randomized controlled trial n = 41
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults 2008 Randomized controlled trial n = 139
Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students 2007 Randomized controlled trial n = 40
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2004 Randomized controlled trial n = 73

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