The Buddha’s extra scoop: Neural correlates of mindfulness and clinical sport psychology

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20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent studies using neuroimaging technologies offer evidence that ancient beliefs about the benefits (e.g., enhanced attention, increased distress tolerance) associated with mindfulness practice and other forms of meditation may be supported by identifiable neuroanatomical changes in the brain. Although it is too early to make probative statements regarding exactly how and why contemplative practices affect the structure and activity of the brain, sport psychologists may want to consider the potential implications of the findings that have begun to emerge from this neural correlates research. The goal of this article is to (a) review the findings from the principal studies of contemplative practice that have employed measures of neuronal activity (e.g., fMRI, EEG) and (b) examine the potential relevance of these studies to the treatment of psychological disorders among athletes and the enhancement of athletic performance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)216-241
Number of pages26
JournalJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology
Volume2
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2008

Keywords

  • Athletes
  • Contemplative science
  • Meditation
  • Neuroimaging
  • Performance

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