Holzel Et. Al study

gray matter

type of tissue that affects functionality in the whole body

white matter

nerve fibers in the brain that allows communication in the whole body

Hippocampus

memory

insula

emotional awareness

Mindfulness

bringing one's attenton to the present-moment experience in evaluation

Mindfulness techniques

help reduce stress & anxiety

background

previous study was cross sectional (compared different groups' brain matter and found that it could have been caused by pre-existing conditions)

aim

to investigate long term effect of MBSR program on grey matter density

Hypothesis

MBSR will increase grey matter density

Write a non-directional hypothesis

There is a relationship between participation in a MBSR program and gray matter density in the brain.

Sample

18 Ps in the original experimental group 2 Ps left bc they felt discomfort in the 1st MRI

Each Ps who completed the study got a discounted MBSR course fee

self-reported physically & mentally healthy with no medications

No contraindications for MRI scanning

Commit to attending all 8 of the MBSR lessons AND the mandatory daily hw

mainly white people & educated *NO generalizability & representativeness

Research Methods & Design

IV- 8-week MBSR course DV- change in grey matter density

Longitudinal DESIGN: 8 Week MBSR course

Independent Measures DESIGN=

Self-Report: Questionnaire (FFMQ) & mentally and physically healthy Brain Scan (MRI): Whole brain

Procedure

Describing: mentally labeling those observations with words

Questionnaire FFMQ before and after the MBSR

Likert-scale: Standard: high scores indicate low levels of mindfulness Reversed: high scores indicate high levels of mindfulness

PROGRAM 8-weekly group meetings/2:30 hrs

1. Body Scan: attention throughout body

2. Mindful Yoga: gentle stretching, awareness, slow-moving

3. Sitting Meditation: awareness of sensations, 5 senses, meditation

Results

Acting with awareness, observing, and non-judging of inner experience increases in the MBSR group scores compared to the control group.

MBSR group identified a small cluster in the left hippocampus with increased gray matter concentration.