Mindfulness Meditation – From Traditional Approaches to Mobile Applications (Preprint)
Magnus Liebher, Yi-Yuan Tang
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Argues that both traditional and mobile mindfulness meditation programs may improve executive functions and alter neural mechanisms, but that the abundance of mobile apps contrasts with few evidence-based programs; the authors outline challenges and limitations and propose directions for future programs targeting executive functions and their neural underpinnings. |
Abstract
Background: Since the 1970s, psychological and neuroscientific research has had an increasing interest in mindfulness meditation. The resulting findings were followed by various programs which are based on the same idea: mindfulness meditation is a process of openly attending, with awareness to one’s present moment experience. In recent years the traditional programs have been turned more and more into digital applications, which promise increased spatial and temporal flexibility as well as an individual use. However, the large number of mobile applications offered contrasts with few evidence-based programs.
Objective: The present review aims to consider the potential of mobile but also traditional programs to improve executive functions and alter neural mechanisms, in order to meet the growing demands of our digitized everyday life.
Methods: -
Results: By reviewing previous empirical findings and theoretical considerations, we describe short-term and long-term effects of both types as well as challenges and limitations with which they are faced.
Conclusions: Furthermore, we provide potential solutions for future programs with a specific focus of improving executive functions and underlying neural mechanisms. CLINICALTRIAL: -
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 |