Cited by 132Neural dynamics and brain functionVisual perception and processing mechanismsMindfulness and Compassion Interventions

Theta Phase Synchrony and Conscious Target Perception: Impact of Intensive Mental Training

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Slagter, Heleen A., Lutz, Antoine, Greischar, Lawrence L., Nieuwenhuis, Sander, Davidson, Richard J.·2009·Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience

Abstract

The information processing capacity of the human mind is limited, as is evidenced by the attentional blink—a deficit in identifying the second of two targets (T1 and T2) presented in close succession. This deficit is thought to result from an overinvestment of limited resources in T1 processing. We previously reported that intensive mental training in a style of meditation aimed at reducing elaborate object processing, reduced brain resource allocation to T1, and improved T2 accuracy [Slagter, H. A., Lutz, A., Greischar, L. L., Francis, A. D., Nieuwenhuis, S., Davis, J., et al. Mental training affects distribution of limited brain resources. PloS Biology, 5, e138, 2007]. Here we report EEG spectral analyses to examine the possibility that this reduction in elaborate T1 processing rendered the system more available to process new target information, as indexed by T2-locked phase variability. Intensive mental training was associated with decreased cross-trial variability in the phase of oscillatory theta activity after successfully detected T2s, in particular, for those individuals who showed the greatest reduction in brain resource allocation to T1. These data implicate theta phase locking in conscious target perception, and suggest that after mental training the cognitive system is more rapidly available to process new target information. Mental training was not associated with changes in the amplitude of T2-induced responses or oscillatory activity before task onset. In combination, these findings illustrate the usefulness of systematic mental training in the study of the human mind by revealing the neural mechanisms that enable the brain to successfully represent target information.

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Authors
Slagter, H. A., Lutz, A., Greischar, L. L., Nieuwenhuis, S., & Davidson, R. J.
Affiliations
  • University of Wisconsin System (US)
  • 1University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Leiden University (NL)
Venue
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience
Publisher
MIT Press
Published
2009-08-01
Volume
21
Issue
8
Pages
1536-1549
ISSN
  • 0898-929X (ISSN-L)
  • 1530-8898
OpenAlex
W2171010884
Cited by
132
References
71
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 9
FWCI
4.08
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
  • UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
  • Mind and Life Institute
  • National Institutes of Health (5u01at002114-03)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (P50-MH069315-03, MH 43454, P50MH069315, MH069315, R01MH043454)
  • National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (U01AT002114-01A1)
  • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (U01-AT002114, U01AT002114-01A1)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Visual perception and processing mechanisms
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Keywords
attentional blink, mental training, meditation, target perception, conscious perception
MeSH terms
Adult, Analysis of Variance, Brain Mapping, Consciousness, Contingent Negative Variation, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Photic Stimulation, Reaction Time, Theta Rhythm, Time Factors, Negotiating, Attentional Blink, Young Adult

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