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Brain Sciences
Special Issues
Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body
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Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 January 2022) | Viewed by 33500

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jane E. Aspell

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Psychology and Sport Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
Interests: interoception; bodily self-consciousness; body representations; chronic pain; multisensory integration; body image; autism; depersonalisation
Dr. Jennifer Todd

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. School of Psychology, Sport, and Sensory Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
2. Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Interests: interoception; body image; psychometrics; chronic pain
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent years have seen an explosion of public interest in mindfulness, and many research studies show its benefits for wellbeing. Over a similar time period, there has also been a huge increase in research on interoception (the brain’s processing and interpretation of signals from inside the body). This Special Issue aims to bring together new cutting-edge research investigating mindfulness and interoception in tandem.

Previous research has provided differing findings regarding possible interactions: some studies have indicated that the regular practise of mindfulness techniques is associated with increases in interoceptive awareness/sensibility and/or accuracy. Others have failed to demonstrate statistically significant effects. These conflicting findings are likely due to differences in the meditation practises studied, the experimental designs utilised, and the measures of interoception that were employed. Indeed, both mindfulness and interoception suffer from broad and often inconsistent definitions and this may have also contributed to the disparate results.

This Special Issue aims to take this field of research forward by bringing together well-controlled experimental studies, reviews, and meta-analyses to help to reach consensus. Papers may address questions such as: Which mindfulness practises are more strongly linked to changes to interoception? Which aspects of interoception are more likely to be affected by regular mindfulness practises? Can mindfulness practises be redesigned or tweaked to more effectively increase interoceptive awareness, and would this go hand-in-hand with increased wellbeing? Are there any potential problems with increasing interoceptive awareness and/or mindfulness in people with certain predispositions? What are the neural bases of changes in the way we experience and relate to our inner bodies?

We welcome contributions from psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and philosophy that address links between interoception and mindfulness practices. We will consider scientifically rigorous, well-controlled, and original papers describing behavioural, qualitative, psychophysiological and neuroimaging data, as well as theoretical papers, original reviews, and meta-analyses.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Jane E. Aspell
Dr. Jennifer Todd
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Interoception
  • Mindfulness
  • Meditation
  • Body awareness
  • Wellbeing
  • Insula
  • Emotional awareness

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 226 KiB  
Editorial
Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body
by Jennifer Todd and Jane E. Aspell
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(6), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12060696 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4948
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in the topics of interoception and mindfulness from researchers, clinicians, and the general public alike (e [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body)

Research

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26 pages, 1699 KiB  
Article
Neurofeedback-Augmented Mindfulness Training Elicits Distinct Responses in the Subregions of the Insular Cortex in Healthy Adolescents
by Xiaoqian Yu, Zsofia P. Cohen, Aki Tsuchiyagaito, Gabriella Cochran, Robin L. Aupperle, Jennifer L. Stewart, Manpreet K. Singh, Masaya Misaki, Jerzy Bodurka, Martin P. Paulus and Namik Kirlic
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(3), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12030363 - 9 Mar 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5447
Abstract
Mindfulness training (MT) reduces self-referential processing and promotes interoception, the perception of sensations from inside the body, by increasing one’s awareness of and regulating responses to them. The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the insular cortex (INS) are considered hubs for self-referential processing [...] Read more.
Mindfulness training (MT) reduces self-referential processing and promotes interoception, the perception of sensations from inside the body, by increasing one’s awareness of and regulating responses to them. The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the insular cortex (INS) are considered hubs for self-referential processing and interoception, respectively. Although MT has been consistently found to decrease PCC, little is known about how MT relates to INS activity. Understanding links between mindfulness and interoception may be particularly important for informing mental health in adolescence, when neuroplasticity and emergence of psychopathology are heightened. We examined INS activity during real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback-augmented mindfulness training (NAMT) targeting the PCC. Healthy adolescents (N = 37; 16 female) completed the NAMT task, including Focus-on-Breath (MT), Describe (self-referential processing), and Rest conditions, across three neurofeedback runs and two non-neurofeedback runs (Observe, Transfer). Regression coefficients estimated from the generalized linear model were extracted from three INS subregions: anterior (aINS), mid (mINS), and posterior (pINS). Mixed model analyses revealed the main effect of run for Focus-on-Breath vs. Describe contrast in aINS [R2 = 0.39] and pINS [R2 = 0.33], but not mINS [R2 = 0.34]. Post hoc analyses revealed greater aINS activity and reduced pINS activity during neurofeedback runs, and such activities were related to lower self-reported life satisfaction and less pain behavior, respectively. These findings revealed the specific involvement of insula subregions in rtfMRI-nf MT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body)
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27 pages, 2082 KiB  
Article
Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Body Awareness
by Marbella Pérez-Peña, Jessica Notermans, Olivier Desmedt, Katleen Van der Gucht and Pierre Philippot
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020285 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5754
Abstract
Body awareness (BA) has long been proposed as a working mechanism of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), yet research on the mediating role of BA is scarce. Hence, the present study assesses the impact of an 8-week MBI on self-reported and indirect measures of BA, [...] Read more.
Body awareness (BA) has long been proposed as a working mechanism of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), yet research on the mediating role of BA is scarce. Hence, the present study assesses the impact of an 8-week MBI on self-reported and indirect measures of BA, investigates the potential mediating role of BA in the relationship between an MBI and symptomatology, evaluates the impact of an MBI on important psychological processes (i.e., experiential avoidance, rumination, self-efficacy, and self-discrepancy), and explores whether these variables act alongside BA in mediating the relationship between an MBI and symptomatology. A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted with 148 participants (n = 89 in the MBI group; n = 59 in the control group) who completed questionnaires assessing BA and the above-mentioned psychological processes before and after an MBI. A sub-sample of participants (n = 86) completed a task that evaluates BA indirectly. Results showed a significant effect of MBI on the self-reported BA but not on the indirect measure of BA. The MBI significantly reduced symptomatology, and this effect was mediated by regulatory and belief-related dimensions of BA. Multiple mediator models showed a significant mediation via various pathways involving improved BA and various transdiagnostic psychological processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body)
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13 pages, 299 KiB  
Article
A Pilot Feasibility Study of Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences (RISE), a Mindfulness-Informed Intervention to Reduce Interoceptive Dysfunction and Suicidal Ideation, among University Students in India
by April R. Smith, Shruti Kinkel-Ram, William Grunwald, Tony Sam George and Vaishali Raval
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020237 - 9 Feb 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3129
Abstract
Although 20% of the world’s suicides occur in India, suicide prevention efforts in India are lagging (Vijayakumar et al., 2021). Identification of risk factors for suicide in India, as well as the development of accessible interventions to treat these risk factors, could help [...] Read more.
Although 20% of the world’s suicides occur in India, suicide prevention efforts in India are lagging (Vijayakumar et al., 2021). Identification of risk factors for suicide in India, as well as the development of accessible interventions to treat these risk factors, could help reduce suicide in India. Interoceptive dysfunction—or an inability to recognize internal sensations in the body—has emerged as a robust correlate of suicidality among studies conducted in the United States. Additionally, a mindfulness-informed intervention designed to reduce interoceptive dysfunction, and thereby suicidality, has yielded promising initial effects in pilot testing (Smith et al., 2021). The current studies sought to replicate these findings in an Indian context. Study 1 (n = 276) found that specific aspects of interoceptive dysfunction were related to current, past, and future likelihood of suicidal ideation. Study 2 (n = 40) was a small, uncontrolled pre-post online pilot of the intervention, Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences (RISE). The intervention was rated as highly acceptable and demonstrated good retention. Additionally, the intervention was associated with improvements in certain aspects of interoceptive dysfunction and reductions in suicidal ideation and eating pathology. These preliminary results suggest further testing of the intervention among Indian samples is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body)
15 pages, 982 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Single Yoga Session on Cardiac Interoceptive Accuracy and Emotional Experience
by Christine Schillings, Dana Schultchen and Olga Pollatos
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(12), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11121572 - 28 Nov 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3469
Abstract
Background: There is an increasing body of research supporting the idea that cardiac interoceptive accuracy (IAc) can be improved by training. Findings concerning the effects of a single yoga session on IAc and the related construct emotional experience are sparse. The aim of [...] Read more.
Background: There is an increasing body of research supporting the idea that cardiac interoceptive accuracy (IAc) can be improved by training. Findings concerning the effects of a single yoga session on IAc and the related construct emotional experience are sparse. The aim of this study was to examine if a single yoga session increases IAc and improves emotional experience. Methods: 137 students were randomly assigned to a 20-min yoga session (n = 47), an endurance session (n = 46), or an inactive control condition (n = 44). IAc and emotional experience were assessed before and after the sessions. Results: There were no significant changes in IAc, or positive and negative affect. IAc at baseline and the change in positive effect were found as predictors for IAc after the yoga session. Conclusion: A 20-min yoga session seems to be not applicable to improve IAc and emotional experience. Future studies should investigate long-term interventions and diverse healthy and clinical populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body)
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15 pages, 1717 KiB  
Article
The Effects of a Standardized Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and an Additional Mindfulness-Based Training on Interoceptive Abilities in a Depressed Cohort
by Georgios Karanassios, Dana Schultchen, Matthias Möhrle, Götz Berberich and Olga Pollatos
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(10), 1355; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11101355 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2985
Abstract
Background: Interoceptive accuracy and sensibility are decreased in depressive samples. However, different studies showed that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness interventions are promising approaches to improve interoceptive abilities. Based on these findings, the study aims to investigate the pre–post effect of CBT in [...] Read more.
Background: Interoceptive accuracy and sensibility are decreased in depressive samples. However, different studies showed that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness interventions are promising approaches to improve interoceptive abilities. Based on these findings, the study aims to investigate the pre–post effect of CBT in a depressive sample. Additionally, we examined the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training in the context of CBT. Methods: Sixty depressive patients were investigated over four weeks, with two conditions—CBT vs. CBT + MBSR. Further, the changes in interoceptive abilities (interoceptive accuracy and sensibility) of the depressive patients were compared to baseline data of healthy controls. Results: The depressive patients showed significantly higher levels of depression and lower mindfulness and interoceptive abilities than healthy controls. The depressive sample showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms and increased mindfulness and interoceptive abilities after CBT. Lastly, depressive patients of the CBT + MBSR condition did not differ from those who only received CBT in the levels of depression, mindfulness or interoceptive abilities over the time course. Discussion: This study demonstrates a positive effect of CBT on interoceptive abilities in a depressive sample. It is shown that the depressive sample did not profit from additional mindfulness training. It can be concluded that CBT is an efficient treatment, resulting in increased interoceptive abilities. Unexpectedly, the combination of CBT and MBSR has no additional effect on these changes. Future studies should investigate the effect of MBSR as a stand-alone therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body)
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Review

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15 pages, 294 KiB  
Review
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Aberrant Interoceptive Processing in Substance Use Disorders
by April C. May, Chrysantha Davis, Namik Kirlic and Jennifer L. Stewart
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020279 - 17 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4413
Abstract
Altered interoception, or the processing of bodily signals, has been argued to play a role in the development and maintenance of substance use disorders (SUD). Therefore, interoceptive interventions focusing on bodily awareness, such as mindfulness meditation, may improve treatment outcomes for individuals with [...] Read more.
Altered interoception, or the processing of bodily signals, has been argued to play a role in the development and maintenance of substance use disorders (SUD). Therefore, interoceptive interventions focusing on bodily awareness, such as mindfulness meditation, may improve treatment outcomes for individuals with SUD. Here we review: (1) subjective, behavioral and brain evidence for altered interoceptive processing in SUD, focusing on insular and anterior cingulate cortices (INS, ACC), key regions for interoceptive processing; (2) research highlighting links between mindfulness and brain function; and (3) extant brain research investigating mindfulness-based interventions in SUD. SUD tend to be characterized by heightened INS and ACC responses to drug cues but blunted interoceptive awareness and attenuated INS and ACC responses during tasks involving bodily attention and/or perturbations. In contrast, mindfulness interventions in healthy individuals are linked to enhanced INS and ACC responses and heightened interoceptive awareness. It is crucial for future research to identify: (1) whether mindfulness-based treatments are efficacious across substance classes; (2) what particular approaches and dosages show the largest effect sizes in enhancing INS and ACC function to non-drug stimuli and reducing responsivity to substance cues, thereby improving SUD treatment outcomes (reducing drug craving and relapse). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body)
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