Mindfulness

Mindfulness

Mindfulness

The practice of consciously directing attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way, allowing thoughts, emotions, and sensations to be observed without reacting to them. It is central to meditation practices that foster awareness and emotional regulation.

Narrative Focus (NF)

A mode of self-awareness where attention is directed toward thinking about the self over time, such as reflecting on past experiences or imagining future events. This type of thinking creates a personal narrative and is linked to autobiographical memory and self-reflection.

Experiential Focus (EF)

A mode of self-awareness that centers on direct, moment-to-moment observation of current sensory experiences, such as physical sensations, thoughts, or emotions, without analyzing or evaluating them. It encourages a more immediate and non-judgmental awareness of what is happening.

Medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC)

A key brain region involved in self-referential thinking, such as reflecting on personal traits, memories, and decisions. It helps integrate experiences over time and is strongly activated during narrative self-focus.

Insula

A region of the brain involved in processing internal bodily sensations (interoception) and emotional experiences. It plays a critical role in awareness of physical states, such as hunger, heartbeat, or pain, and is engaged during mindfulness and experiential focus.

Default Mode Network (DMN)

A brain network that becomes active when the mind is at rest and not focused on the external environment, often linked to self-referential thoughts, mind-wandering, and daydreaming. It is crucial for narrative self-focus and autobiographical memory.

Functional Connectivity

The coordinated activity between different brain regions, indicating how they interact and communicate to support cognitive processes. In this study, changes in functional connectivity show how mindfulness alters the relationship between self-referential and sensory-processing areas.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

A structured, 8-week training program designed to teach mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, body scanning, and yoga, aimed at enhancing awareness of the present moment and reducing stress and negative thought patterns.

Cortical Midline Structures

Brain areas located along the midline of the brain, including the medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex, involved in self-referential processes, such as thinking about oneself, personal memories, and future aspirations.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. It is used in this study to observe which brain regions are activated during different types of self-awareness, like narrative or experiential focus.

Mindfulness Training (MT)

A psychological training method aimed at cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of thoughts and emotions, often through meditation practices.

Septal Region

A brain area linked to prosocial behaviors such as empathy, social bonding, and cooperation. Increased activity in this region is associated with greater willingness to cooperate in social exchanges.

Interoception

The process of sensing and interpreting internal bodily signals, such as heartbeat and breath. Interoception is linked to emotional regulation and decision-making, especially in mindfulness.

Emotional Regulation

The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences. In the context of mindfulness, emotional regulation is achieved through non-reactivity and acceptance of emotions without judgment.

Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs)

Therapeutic approaches that incorporate mindfulness practices to enhance psychological well-being and address various mental health issues. Examples include Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

A therapeutic approach that integrates cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, specifically designed to prevent relapse in individuals with recurrent depression. Involves moving from a focus on content to a focus on process, away from cognitive therapy’s emphasis on changing the content of negative thinking, toward attenting to the way all experience is processed. //It aims to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, particularly in cases of depression and anxiety, and to relate to them in a non-judgmental, accepting way. By fostering mindfulness, MBCT helps prevent the relapse of depression by breaking negative thought patterns and promoting a healthier response to emotional stress. It encourages living in the present moment rather than being caught up in ruminative thinking.

Self-Awareness

The conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires, which is enhanced through mindfulness practices.

Non-Judgmental Awareness

The practice of observing thoughts and feelings without labeling them as good or bad, allowing for a more accepting and open approach to one’s experiences.

Psychological Well-Being

A state of mental health that encompasses emotional stability, life satisfaction, and the ability to cope with stress and challenges

First-Person Approach

A perspective that emphasizes the subjective experiences of individuals, particularly in understanding how mindfulness practices affect personal emotional and psychological processes.

Doing Mode

A mental state focused on goal-oriented tasks, problem-solving, and achieving specific outcomes. It's action-driven and often involves thinking about the future.

Being Mode

A mental state centered on accepting the present moment as it is, with awareness and non-judgment. It emphasizes mindfulness and being in the "here and now" rather than striving for change.