Mental Training Affects Distribution of Limited Brain Resources.
The information processing capacity of the human mind is limited, as is evidenced by the so-called "attentional-blink" deficit: When two targets (T1 and T2) embedded in a rapid stream of events are presented in close temporal proximity, the second target is often not seen. This deficit is believed to result from competition between the two targets for limited attentional resources. Here we show, using performance in an attentional-blink task and scalp-recorded brain potentials, that meditation, or mental training, affects the distribution of limited brain resources. Three months of intensive mental training resulted in a smaller attentional blink and reduced brain-resource allocation to the first target, as reflected by a smaller T1-elicited P3b, a brain-potential index of resource allocation. Furthermore, those individuals that showed the largest decrease in brain-resource allocation to T1 generally showed the greatest reduction in attentional-blink size. These observations provide novel support for the view that the ability to accurately identify T2 depends upon the efficient deployment of resources to T1. The results also demonstrate that mental training can result in increased control over the distribution of limited brain resources. Our study supports the idea that plasticity in brain and mental function exists throughout life and illustrates the usefulness of systematic mental training in the study of the human mind.
PLoS Biol. 2007 May 8;5(6):e138 [Epub ahead of print]
Slagter HA, Lutz A, Greischar LL, Francis AD, Nieuwenhuis S, Davis JM, Davidson RJ.
Posted: 09/05/2007
This article provided by The International Hypnosis Research Institute.
Enter your email address to subscribe to the IHRI Newsletter.
|
Emotional Freedom! This hypnosis session is designed to gently release the negative & corrosive emotions you are carrying around with you. Free yourself from the past and you’ll be able to focus on moving forward with your life!
|
|
Hypnosis Can Help Your Mind Work Together to Achieve Commitment! You’ll start to become a person of focus,drive,& passion who can develop rich relationships, achieve goals,& experience more happiness!! So commit to using this session!!
|
|
The Power to Forgive!During this hypnosis session,you’ll bypass the critical conscious mind that holds onto your hurts& access the perspective of the deep inner mind.You’ll be invited to see the perfection in the situation that you want to forgive!
|
