Neural Correlates of Dissociating Mindfulness Subdomains: A Differential Analysis Approach
Robin Kamrla, Konrad Schöniger, Philine König, Esther Zwiky, Antonia Küttner, Gina Sophie Scheiwe, Julia Andreev, Lara Fleischer, Marie Uhlig, Lena Esther Ptasczynski, Markus Spitzer, Andreas Deistung, Walter Alexander Wohlgemuth, Janine Selle, Ronny Redlich
Mindfulness October 7, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-026-02993-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional observational study Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 261 |
| Population | Healthy adults |
| Measures | Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, structural MRI (grey matter volume) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Acceptance and presence showed opposite grey matter volume associations: acceptance correlated positively with left rolandic operculum and left postcentral gyrus volume and negatively with amygdala volume, while presence correlated negatively with cortical grey matter volume. The authors argue that acceptance may promote non-judgmental integration of emotional and sensory stimuli, whereas presence may reflect sustained focused attention, suggesting complementary and compensatory roles. |
Abstract
Abstract Objectives In recent years, mindfulness has entered the scientific discourse, holding significant therapeutic potential. However, findings regarding its neurobiological basis have been inconsistent. Trait mindfulness comprises distinct dimensions, two of them are presence and acceptance, but neural correlates accompanying them remain largely underexplored. This study focuses on neurostructural associations reflecting these two subdomains’ distinct patterns to explore their complex interplay, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive, neural, and psychometrically grounded understanding of mindfulness.
Method: Structural MRI scans and acceptance and presence scores on the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory were analyzed in 261 healthy adults. Correlates of both subdomains, oppositely directed, were investigated through multiple linear regression analyses of grey matter volume (GMV). Threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE) corrected whole-brain, and region of interest analyses of the amygdala were conducted. Post-hoc, linear regression analyses were performed to further explore each subdomain.
Results: An intriguing dissociation in neurostructural correlates of acceptance and presence was observed: Acceptance correlated positively with GMV in the left rolandic operculum ( k TFCE-FWE = 243, p FWE = 0.02) and the left postcentral gyrus ( k TFCE-FWE = 17, p FWE < 0.05) and negatively with amygdala GMV ( k TFCE-FWE = 40, p FWE = 0.03), while presence correlated negatively with GMV in cortical areas.
Conclusions: Acceptance may promote non-judgmental integration of emotional and sensory stimuli, while presence reflects the capacity for sustained, focused attention. To our knowledge, this is the first study addressing the distinct neurostructural correlates of these subdomains, revealing their potential complementary and compensatory roles within mindfulness at both the neurobiological and psychometric levels. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.
Citations in the library
Cites 22
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Neuroreport November 7, 2005
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica April 28, 2011
- Dispositional Mindfulness Co-Varies with Smaller Amygdala and Caudate Volumes in Community Adults PLoS One May 22, 2013
and 17 more in the library