AS Psychology

Hölzel et al. (2011) (editing)

Mehar

• 3 min read

Original Study

Aim

  1. To determine whether regular practice of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) produces measurable neurological changes associated with mindfulness-related traits.
  2. To identify brain structures which chagnged due to an 8-week MBSR programme.

Background
Britta Hölzel, a psychologist, neuroscientist, and MBSR yoga teacher, used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate structural & functional changes in the brain that occur with regular mindfulness practice.
Meditators' MRI scans show increased grey matter in the subiculum region of the hippcampus, compared to non-meditators. This area is linked to stress regulation.
Eileen Luders, Associate Psychology Professor at the University of Auckland, suggests that increased grey matter in the subiculum is linked to a decreased release of stress hormones. This explains why meditation reduces stress and enhances well-being.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) ➜ Technique developed by Prof. Jon Kabat-Zinn which combines Buddhist meditation with a scientific approach. The 8-week programme includes 2.5-hour weekly group meetings, and one 6.5-hour training day. Group meetings include 3 training techniques:

  • Body scanning - Becoming aware of bodily sensations, hence developing awareness of the body and mind.
  • Mindful yoga - Gentle stretching, co-ordinated movements, and breathing by focussing on moment-to-moment experience.
  • Sitting meditation - Developing awareness of the sensation of breathing and of sensory information and emotions.

Psychology Being Investigated
Mindfulness ➜ A stress-reduction technique used to improve wellbeing. It has been incorporated into treatments for people with anxiety, chronic pain, and substance abuse since it has positive impacts on wellbeing.
Ruth Baer et al.'s 5 Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire measured five areas of mindfuness:
1) the ability to observe; 2) describe; 3) passing thoughts and feelings in a non-judgemental, and 4) non-reactive way; and 5) awareness of actions.

Localisation of function (LoF) ➜ Specific brain structures are responsible for specific behaviours/cognitive processes. For example, the hippocampus is linked to memory & emotion regulation. Previous research on LoF show meditators have more grey matter in their hippocampus and insula than non-meditators. Longitudinal studies have shown that grey matter increases when people learn new knowledge/skills, suggesting that changes in wellbeing may be associated with increases in grey matter.
Hölzel et al. used MRI scans to measure microscopic changes in specific brain regions. Structural plasticity refers to the brain’s ability to physically change its structure. Changes were measured using voxel-based morphometry (VBM), a technique that assesses the concentration of grey matter in different parts of the brain in voxel (derived from volume and pixel) units. The process includes classifying the tissue type (white/grey matter), mapping the images onto a template to control individual differences between brains, and smoothing to enhances data validity.

Research Method: Experimental study using a longitudinal design.
It was partially a lab experiment since measurements were taken with an MRI, and partially it was a naturalistic experiment as Ps incorporated MBSR exercises in their daily lives.

Research Hypotheses

  • To identify the causal relationship between MBSR and grey matter concentration in various brain structures.
  • To identify whether there is a correlation between time spent on mindfulness exercises and increases in grey matter concentration.

Research Design
Repeated measures design used as the study was longitudinal with Ps' data being collected over 8 weeks.
Independent measures design was also used as Ps were divided into 2 groups:
1) Experimental group where Ps attended MBSR sessions.
2) Control group who were stressed and received no MBSR.

Research Variables:
Independent Variables (IV)
1) Whether Ps received MBSR or not.
2) Whether data was collected at the start or end of the 8-week period.
Dependent Variables (DV)
1) Grey matter in specific brain regions & throughout the brain (measured using VBM).
2) 5 facets of mindfulness using the 5 Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire - a self-report with 39 statements where Ps rate 1 (never true) to 5 (always true).
3) Time spent on midfulness activities between weekly sessions (recorded in a daily diary).

Sample Characteristics

  • 33 right-handed, healthy adults, aged 25-55 years old were recruited from 4 MBSR courses at the Center for Mindfulness, New England, USA. Their course fees were reduced to thank them for their participation.
  • 6 males & 10 females (mean age = 38) were in the MBSR group.
    11 males and 6 females (mean age = 39) were in the waitlist control group.
  • They were either self-referred or reccomended by their physician due to stress. Self-reports suggested they were all physically & psychologically healthy and were not on any regular medications.
  • They had limited prior meditation experience - they taken 0 classes in the last 6 months, no more than 4 in the last 5 yrs, and no more than 10 in their lifetime.

Procedure
Before the MBSR sessions



During the 8-week programme



After the 8 MBSR sessions


Results

Conclusions

Strengths and Weaknesses

Nature vs. Nurture debate

Application to real-life