hölzel et al. (midfulness & brain scans) + biological approach Flashcards
what are the main assumptions of the biological approach?
- human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by brain structure and function and hormones
- inherited genetic factors play a significant role in shaping personality and key characteristics
what was the aim of the study?
To investigate whether mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training causes structural changes in the brain, specifically the increase in grey matter density
what research method and experimental design were used?
research method: laboratory experiment
experimental design: independent measures designed
what were the IV and DV?
IV: the effects of the 8-week MBSR practices
DV: grey matter density measured via MRI scans
describe the sample
- 16 healthy adults (8 men, 8 women) in the experimental (MBSR) group.
- Participants were meditation novices, with no extensive previous mindfulness training.
- A matched control group of individuals was included but they did not undergo mindfulness training.
what were the 4 parts of the procedure?
- pre-training MRI scan
- mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program
- post-training MRI scan
- data analysis
describe step 1 - pre-training MRI scan
- Before the mindfulness program began, all participants in both the experimental and control groups were invited for a high-resolution MRI scan.
- The scans were used to assess the baseline grey matter density across various regions of the brain, particularly the hippocampus, posterior cingulate cortex, temporoparietal junction, and cerebellum.
- This baseline measurement ensured that any future changes could be directly linked to the MBSR training rather than natural brain variation
describe step 2 - the MBSR program
🧘♂️ Weekly Group Sessions:
- 2.5-hour-long sessions once per week.
- Covered formal mindfulness practices like:
— Body scans (scanning attention through each body part).
— Mindful breathing and awareness of bodily sensations.
— Mindful yoga postures to integrate physical movement with mindful attention.
📚 Daily Home Practice:
- Participants were expected to practice mindfulness at home for about 45 minutes per day.
They used guided audio recordings for exercises like body scans, sitting meditation, and mindful movement.
explain step 3 - post-procedure MRI scan
- After the 8-week period, both groups returned to the laboratory for another round of MRI scanning.
- The goal was to identify any structural changes in grey matter density that had occurred specifically in the MBSR group compared to the control group.
describe step 4 - data analysis
- The MRI scans were analyzed using VBM, a statistical neuroimaging method that measures changes in grey matter density throughout the brain.
- VBM (voxel-based morphometry) compares each individual’s pre- and post-MRI scans to detect subtle increases or decreases in grey matter volume.
- Researchers focused on brain areas that previous literature suggested were linked to emotion regulation, self-awareness, and stress response
who were the control group?
people who applied for the MBSR treatment but were told they were “waitlisted”
what were the results of the study?
The MBSR group showed increased grey matter density in:
✅ The hippocampus (linked to learning and memory).
✅ The posterior cingulate cortex (linked to self-referential thought).
✅ The cerebellum (motor and cognitive processes).
✅ The temporoparietal junction (linked to empathy and perspective-taking)
what conclusions were drawn from the study?
- Practicing mindfulness meditation for just 8 weeks can cause neuroplastic changes in the brain.
- This supports the idea that mindfulness is not only psychologically beneficial but also physically alters brain structure, enhancing mental health and self-regulation
name two strengths of the study
1️⃣ Objective Measurement:
MRI scans provide highly scientific and precise data on brain structure.
2️⃣ Practical Application:
Supports the use of mindfulness in mental health treatments for anxiety, depression, and stress management.
3️⃣ Replicable Method:
Clear and systematic process makes it easy to replicate.
4️⃣ Supports Neuroplasticity Theory:
Adds evidence to the biological idea that the brain can change structurally through experience.
name two weaknesses of the study
1️⃣ Small Sample Size:
Only 16 participants per group limits generalisability to larger populations.
2️⃣ Lack of Long-Term Follow-Up:
The study did not assess whether brain changes were permanent or temporary.
3️⃣ Low Ecological Validity:
Lab-based MRI setting is unnatural and could affect participant comfort or behavior.
4️⃣ Participant Bias:
Self-selection bias: people who volunteer for mindfulness studies might already be more open to meditation, limiting the study’s representativeness.
what ethical guidelines were followed
Informed consent was obtained from all participants.
Non-invasive MRI scanning ensured no physical harm.
Full right to withdraw was maintained.
Participants were debriefed and informed of the study’s aim and findings.
what are some real-world applications of the results?
- Used to promote mindfulness training in clinical psychology, education, and workplaces.
- Supports mindfulness-based therapies for mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
- Highlights the potential for meditation to act as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for cognitive and emotional resilience
