Lecture Notes: Biological Approach Study by Hosal et al. on Mindfulness and Brain Scans

Main Assumptions of the Biological Approach

• Behavior, cognitions, and emotions can be explained by brain function, hormones, genetics, and evolution.
• Similarities and differences among people can be understood through biological factors and their interactions with other factors.

Key Concepts

MRI Scan

• Magnetic resonance imaging; brain scanning technique.
• Uses magnetic and radio waves, not x-rays.
• Helps in studying brain damage, mental health, and localization of function.

Gray Matter Concentration

• Refers to nerve cells responsible for thinking, emotion, and memory.
• More gray matter indicates stronger connections and better brain function.
• Scientists use MRI and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to measure changes in gray matter.

Psychological Concepts

Mindfulness

• Technique for being calmer and focused, akin to meditation.
• Involves paying attention to the present moment.
• Used for reducing stress, improving mental health, increasing self-awareness.

Localization of Function

• Specific brain structures are responsible for specific behaviors.
• Examples: Hippocampus (memory), Insula (emotions, self-awareness), Broca's area (language).

Background of the Study

• Previous studies compared meditators and non-meditators; meditators had more gray matter.
• Problem: Cross-sectional studies did not track changes over time.
• Current study: longitudinal to track changes in gray matter over time.

Aims of the Study

1. To see if an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program changes the brain.
2. To identify which brain structures change as a result of the program.

Methodology

Design

• Longitudinal experiment over 8 weeks.
• Mixed design: independent measures (experimental vs. control group) and repeated measures (brain scans and questionnaires before and after).
• Investigated correlations between meditation time and gray matter increase.

Variables

• Independent Variable (IV): Participation in the MBSR program.
• Dependent Variable (DV): Changes in gray matter assessed through MRI scans.

Data Collection

• MRI scans (pre and post program).
• Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ).

Sample

• 33 participants; 16 in experimental group, 17 in control.
• Demographics: all right-handed, aged 25-55, healthy adults with limited meditation experience.
• Volunteer sampling.

Procedure

• Pre and Post: FFMQ and MRI scans.
• Experimental group received 45-minute audio exercises for mindfulness.
• Control group waited 8 weeks before receiving MBSR.

Results

• Experimental group: significant improvement in mindfulness facets, increased gray matter in specific brain regions (hippocampus, posterior cingulate cortex, etc.).
• Control group: no significant improvement.

Evaluation

Strengths

• Use of MRI provides objective, quantitative data.
• Reliability of FFMQ questionnaire.
• Longitudinal aspect allows tracking changes over time.

Weaknesses

• Lack of standardization in mindfulness exercises.
• Self-report nature of questionnaires may affect validity.
• Small, homogenous sample limits generalizability.

Ethical Issues

• Maintained: Informed consent, protection from harm, fair treatment, right to withdraw.
• Not Maintained: Delay in help for control group (on waitlist).

Issues and Debates

• Nature vs. Nurture:
  • Nature: focus on brain function and genetics.
  • Nurture: mindfulness practice impacts brain, showing environmental influence.

Application to Everyday Life

• Mindfulness can be integrated into schools and workplaces to help manage stress.
• Could improve student mental health and employee productivity.

Summary

• Study shows mindfulness can increase gray matter, suggesting benefits for mental health and stress management.

End of Notes

For further exploration or questions, engage with the material or consult additional resources.