The brain structure correlates of individual differences in trait mindfulness: a voxel-based morphometry study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Mindfulness, or present-moment awareness, is linked to improved mental and physical health.
• Meditation practices are known to alter brain function and structure in regions like the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula.
• The neuroanatomical basis of trait mindfulness (an individual's general level of mindfulness) remains less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neuroanatomical correlates of individual differences in trait mindfulness.
• To examine the relationship between gray matter volume and trait mindfulness in a large sample of young adults.

Main Methods:

• Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was employed to analyze brain structure.
• Trait mindfulness was assessed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS).
• Gray matter (GM) volume was correlated with MAAS scores across the whole brain in 247 young adults.

Main Results:

• Higher trait mindfulness was associated with greater GM volume in the right hippocampus/amygdala and bilateral ACC.
• Lower GM volume was observed in the bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and left orbitofrontal cortex in more mindful individuals.
• These findings highlight structural brain differences related to individual levels of trait mindfulness.

Conclusions:

• Trait mindfulness is associated with structural variations in brain regions crucial for executive attention, emotion regulation, and self-referential processing.
• These neural differences may underlie the psychological and physical health benefits of mindfulness.
• The study provides insights into the neuroanatomical underpinnings of trait mindfulness.