Neural dynamics of mindfulness training: A longitudinal EEG network analysis of focused attention and open monitoring meditation

Alpha and theta brain rhythms have been linked to mindfulness, but connecting brain activity to subjective experience is difficult. This study used network analysis on data from 16 novices who completed up to 24 sessions of focused attention and open monitoring meditation, with EEG and self-reported mindfulness collected. Distinct network structures emerged for each practice, supporting their theoretical differences. Shared features included strong autoregressive effects for mindfulness—consistent with skill learning—and opposing influences of frontal versus posterior alpha power. The results challenge simple interpretations of meditation-related EEG, suggesting the functional meaning of neural activity depends on the specific practice and training stage.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Neural oscillatory activity within the alpha and theta bands have long been considered putative markers of state mindfulness, yet understanding of their functional role has been limited by the challenges of linking objective brain indices with subjective experience. To address this gap, the current study applied longitudinal network analysis to a unique dataset from 16 novices who completed up to 24 laboratory training sessions of both focused attention (FA) and open monitoring (OM) meditation, during which both EEG and self-report measures of state mindfulness quality were collected. This approach enabled the parsimonious characterization of both cross-lagged temporal (across-session) and contemporaneous (within-session) influences of regional spectral power on state mindfulness. The analysis revealed distinguishable neurophenomenological network structures for each practice, providing data-driven support for their theoretical differentiation. These distinctions emerged alongside shared commonalities to both practices, including strong autoregressive effects for state mindfulness, consistent with training-related skill acquisition, and opposing regional influences of frontal versus posterior alpha power. Taken together, these findings challenge monolithic interpretations of meditation-related EEG activity, advancing a more nuanced neurophenomenological approach wherein the functional significance of neural activity is dynamically situated within the specific type and time course of training.