Journal article
Effects of mindfulness meditation on human impulsivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Academia Mental Health and Well-Being, Vol.2(1), pp.1-24
01/15/2025
DOI: 10.20935/MHealthWellB7477
Abstract
Over the past 30 years, mindfulness meditation (MM) has gained popularity as a cognitive strategy in therapies aimed at impulse control and behavioral or emotional regulation for various mental health challenges. Despite this, evidence supporting its effectiveness, as well as a clear understanding of its underlying autonomic and neurophysiological mechanisms, remains limited. In this study, a systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to examine the behavioral, autonomic, and neurophysiological effects of MM on impulsivity. A total of 52 articles, published between 2008 and 2021, were included in the analysis. Results from three separate meta-analyses demonstrated that MM significantly reduced behavioral impulsivity in humans (Cohen’s d = −0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−0.65, −0.39]). In addition, MM modulated autonomic nervous system activity by decreasing the levels of salivary and blood cortisol, food-craving-related salivation, galvanic skin response, and salivary immunoglobulin A (Cohen’s d = −0.48, 95% CI [−0.79, −0.01]). Neurophysiological findings showed a significant reduction in event-related potential amplitudes related to impulsivity, including N200, Error-Related Negativity (ERN), and P300 components (Cohen’s d = −0.65, 95% CI [−1.01, −0.08]). These findings indicate that MM is effective in promoting impulse control across a broad range of participants. Furthermore, MM appears to be a versatile cognitive strategy that is suitable for individuals of various ages and beneficial for addressing mental health issues influenced by impulse control, including aggression, addictions, and executive function impairments.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Effects of mindfulness meditation on human impulsivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Creators
- Eric W. Tsang - University of Iowa, PsychiatryJunling Gao - University of Hong KongChi Ngai Lo - KK Women's and Children's HospitalNicholas T. Trapp - University of IowaAaron D. Boes - University of IowaHinhung Sik - University of Hong Kong
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Academia Mental Health and Well-Being, Vol.2(1), pp.1-24
- DOI
- 10.20935/MHealthWellB7477
- ISSN
- 2997-9196
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/15/2025
- Academic Unit
- Psychiatry; Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Neurology (Pediatrics); Neurology; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
- Record Identifier
- 9984775270202771
Metrics
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