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Self-specific processing in the meditating brain: a MEG neurophenomenology study
Yair Dor-Ziderman1, Yochai Ataria2,3, Stephen Fulder4
1Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
Neuroscience of Consciousness
|November 7, 2018
Summary
Self-specific processes (SSPs) are graded, not all-or-nothing, and can be altered through attentional training. Neuroimaging revealed neural mechanisms in the temporo-parietal junction and medial parietal cortex, suggesting plasticity for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Self-specific processes (SSPs) define the self as an embodied agent, crucial for self/nonself distinction.
- The nature of SSPs (all-or-nothing vs. graded) and their neural basis remain unclear.
- Investigating the sense-of-boundaries (SB) offers a pathway to understanding SSPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if SSPs are graded phenomena.
- To identify neural correlates of SSPs using neuroimaging.
- To explore the trainability and plasticity of SSPs.
Main Methods:
- Neurophenomenological exploration of the sense-of-boundaries (SB) experience.
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG) recording during volitional modulation of SB in a meditation practitioner.
- Validation in an independent group of long-term meditators.
Main Results:
- Evidence for a graded nature of SB experience.
- Identification of right-lateralized beta oscillations in temporo-parietal junction and medial parietal cortex associated with SB.
- Demonstration of trainable flexibility and neural plasticity in SSPs.
Conclusions:
- SSPs are graded phenomena with identifiable neural mechanisms.
- The findings suggest that SSPs are flexible and plastic, with potential clinical relevance.
- Attentional training may alter SSPs, offering therapeutic avenues for disturbed SB.
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