AS Core Studies (Holzel et Al)

What psychological concept does this study investigate?

Localisation of function in the brain and neuroplasticity in response to mindfulness.

What is localisation of function?

The idea that specific brain areas are responsible for different cognitive, emotional, and behavioural processes.

How does this study relate to mindfulness?

It examines how an 8-week MBSR program impacts grey matter density in the brain.

What gap in research did this study aim to address?

The study aimed to understand which brain structures are responsible for mindfulness-related improvements in mental health.

How did previous studies inform this one?

Previous research used cross-sectional designs; this study took a longitudinal approach to track changes over time.

What was the primary aim of the study?

To investigate whether an 8-week MBSR program increases grey matter density in brain regions linked to learning, memory, and emotional regulation.

What type of study was conducted?

Experimental, longitudinal study.

What was the IV and DV?

IV: Participation in the MBSR program. DV: Changes in grey matter density, measured by MRI scans.

What type of experimental design was used?

A mixed design (independent and repeated measures).

How many participants were in the experimental and control groups?

16 in the experimental group, 17 in the control group.

What were the inclusion criteria?

Participants had to have increased stress levels and be referred by a physician or self-referred.

How were participants selected?

Volunteer/opportunity sampling from four MBSR courses in New England.

What were the key stages of the procedure?

1. Pre-intervention MRI scans & Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). 2. 8-week MBSR program (yoga, meditation, body scan, daily 45-min guided practice). 3. Post-intervention MRI scans & FFMQ analysis. 4. Data analysis using voxel-based morphometry (VBM).

What types of data were collected?

Primarily quantitative (MRI scans, FFMQ scores). Some qualitative data (self-reports on mindfulness experience).

Which brain areas showed increased grey matter density?

Left hippocampus, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), left temporo-parietal junction (TPJ), and cerebellum.

What did the findings suggest about the insula?

No significant increase, possibly due to the short 8-week intervention.

Did the control group show changes?

Yes, a decrease in grey matter in the PCC.

Which mindfulness facets improved significantly?

Acting with awareness, observing, and non-judging.

What was the main conclusion of the study?

Mindfulness training leads to structural brain changes, supporting neuroplasticity.

Did the duration of mindfulness practice affect brain changes?

No significant correlation between practice duration and grey matter increase.

Were ethical guidelines followed?

Yes, with informed consent, right to withdraw, and measures to minimize harm.

What were the ethical concerns?

MRI discomfort (2 participants withdrew), exclusion of individuals with metal implants or claustrophobia, and delayed treatment for control group participants.

How does this study support generalisability?

Diverse sample, but limited due to stress-related inclusion criteria.

How is reliability ensured?

Use of MRI scans provides objective and replicable data.

How is validity ensured?

High internal validity due to controlled MBSR intervention and use of neuroimaging.

What limits the generalisability of this study?

Exclusion of individuals with MRI contraindications and a relatively small sample size.

What validity concerns exist?

Potential confounding variables like lifestyle and social interactions.

What ethical limitations were present?

Delayed treatment for the control group, raising concerns about participant well-being.

Does this study support nature or nurture?

Primarily nature, as it examines biological changes in the brain, but nurture plays a role through mindfulness training.

Is the study holistic or reductionist?

Both. It is reductionist in focusing on specific brain structures but holistic in incorporating mindfulness as a psychological factor.

Is the study deterministic or does it support free will?

Mostly deterministic, as mindfulness training led to structural changes beyond conscious control, but participants chose to engage in mindfulness.

Does social desirability bias affect this study?

Unlikely, as participants could not consciously alter their brain structure.

Could researcher bias affect results?

Possible in data interpretation, though MRI scans reduce subjectivity.