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File099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation2021-032024-02

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology
DocumentDefining meditation: Foundations for and activity-based phenomenological classification system2022

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.02
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Defining meditation: Foundations for and activity-based phenomenological classification system
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.795077/full
Abstract/Results: Classifying different meditation techniques is essential for the progress of meditation research, as this will enable discerning which effects are associated with which techniques, in addition to supporting the development of increasingly effective and efficient meditation-based training programs and clinical interventions. However, both the task of defining meditation itself, as well as defining specific techniques, faces many fundamental challenges. Here we describe problems involved in this endeavor and suggest an integrated model for defining meditation. For classifying different meditation techniques, we draw on classical, contemporary, and holistic systems of classification. We analyze different techniques and propose that all meditation techniques are based on a specific set of activities, that is: focusing, releasing, imagining, and moving in relation to an object of meditation, including fields of experience. Meditative activities can be combined and unified in the activities of observing, producing, and being aware. All meditative activities are unified in awareness of awareness. Defining specific meditation techniques may be done by specifying which activities and objects are involved. The advantage of our approach is that it can potentially account for the inner workings of all current systems of classification and hence it lays the foundation for formulating an overarching system of meditation that can guide future research and practice.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Sparby, T.
Secondary author(s):
Sacchet, M.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Percentiles:
4
Reference:
Sparby, T., & Sacchet, M. D. (2022). Defining Meditation: Foundations for an Activity-Based Phenomenological Classification System. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 795077. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.795077
2-year Impact Factor: 3.800|2022
Times cited: 6|2024-02-15
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Meditation / Classification / Phenomenology / Activity / First-person / Consciousness / Mental activity / Taxonomy

Defining meditation: Foundations for and activity-based phenomenological classification system

Defining meditation: Foundations for and activity-based phenomenological classification system
DocumentResting-state fMRI functional connectivity and mindfulness in clinical and non-clinical contexts: A review and synthesis2022

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity and mindfulness in clinical and non-clinical contexts: A review and synthesis
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763422000720
Abstract/Results: This review synthesizes relations between mindfulness and resting-state fMRI functional connectivity of brain networks. Mindfulness is characterized by present-moment awareness and experiential acceptance, and relies on attention control, self-awareness, and emotion regulation. We integrate studies of functional connectivity and (1) trait mindfulness and (2) mindfulness meditation interventions. Mindfulness is related to functional connectivity in the default mode (DMN), frontoparietal (FPN), and salience (SN) networks. Specifically, mindfulness-mediated functional connectivity changes include (1) increased connectivity between posterior cingulate cortex (DMN) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (FPN), which may relate to attention control; (2) decreased connectivity between cuneus and SN, which may relate to self-awareness; (3) increased connectivity between rostral anterior cingulate cortex region and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMN) and decreased connectivity between rostral anterior cingulate cortex region and amygdala region, both of which may relate to emotion regulation; and lastly, (4) increased connectivity between dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (SN) and anterior insula (SN) which may relate to pain relief. While further study of mindfulness is needed, neural signatures of mindfulness are emerging.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Sezer, I.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., Sacchet, M.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Percentiles:
3
Reference:
Sezer, I., Pizzagalli, D. & Sacchet, M. (2022). Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity and mindfulness in clinical and non-clinical contexts: A review and synthesis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 135, 104583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104583
2-year Impact Factor: 8.200|2022
Times cited: 36|2024-02-15
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Mindfulness / Meditation / Resting-state fMRI / Functional connectivity / Default mode network / Salience network / Frontoparietal network / Attention control / Emotion regulation / Self-awareness / Posterior cingulate cortex / Anterior cingulate cortex / Cuneus / MBSR

Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity and mindfulness in clinical and non-clinical contexts: A review and synthesis

Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity and mindfulness in clinical and non-clinical contexts: A review and synthesis
DocumentThe neuroscience of spirituality, religion, and mental health: A systematic review and synthesis2022

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.04
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
The neuroscience of spirituality, religion, and mental health: A systematic review and synthesis
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395622005477
Abstract/Results: Abstract
Prior research highlights the importance of spirituality/religion (S/R) as it relates to several aspects of mental health and clinical interventions. This research has been expanded to include the concurrent examination of neurobiological correlates of S/R to elucidate potential biological mechanisms. However, the majority of neurobiological research on S/R has neglected mental health, and the relationship across all three of these domains (S/R, mental health, and neurobiology) remains unclear. This study systematically reviewed research concurrently examining S/R, mental health, and neurobiology, and rated the methodological quality of included studies. Eighteen identified studies were then included in an integrated literature review and discussion, regarding the neurobiological correlates of S/R as it pertains to depression, anxiety, alcohol/substance misuse, and psychosis. The majority of studies demonstrated moderate to high methodological quality. Findings highlight the need for additional studies in this area as well as research that includes validated assessment of S/R.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
by permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Rosmarin, D.
Secondary author(s):
Kaufman, C., Ford, S. F., Keshava, P., Drury, M., Minns, S., Marmarosh, C., Chowdhury, A., Sacchet, M.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Percentiles:
7
Reference:
Rosmarin, D. H., Kaufman, C. C., Ford, S. F., Keshava, P., Drury, M., Minns, S., Marmarosh, C., Chowdhury, A., & Sacchet, M. D. (2022). The neuroscience of spirituality, religion, and mental health: A systematic review and synthesis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 156, 100–113. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.003
2-year Impact Factor: 4.8|2022
Times cited: 0|2024-02-15
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Religion / Spirituality / Depression / Anxiety / Alcohol abuse / Neurobiology

The neuroscience of spirituality, religion, and mental health: A systematic review and synthesis

The neuroscience of spirituality, religion, and mental health: A systematic review and synthesis
DocumentA framework for the empirical investigation of mindfulness meditative development2023

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.05
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
A framework for the empirical investigation of mindfulness meditative development
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-023-02113-8
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Millions of people globally have learned mindfulness meditation with the goal of improving health and well-being outcomes in both clinical and non-clinical contexts. An estimated half of these practitioners follow mindfulness teachers’ recommendations to continue regular meditation after completion of initial instruction, but it is unclear whether benefits are strengthened by regular practice and whether harm can occur. Increasing evidence shows a wide range of experiences that can arise with regular mindfulness meditation, from profoundly positive to challenging and potentially harmful. Initial research suggests that complex interactions and temporal sequences may explain these experiential phenomena and their relations to health and well-being. We believe further study of the effects of mindfulness meditation is urgently needed to better understand the benefits and challenges of continued practice after initial instructions. Effects may vary systematically over time due to factors such as initial dosage, accumulation of ongoing practice, developing skill of the meditator, and complex interactions with the subjects’ past experiences and present environment. We propose that framing mindfulness meditation experiences and any associated health and well-being benefits within integrated longitudinal models may be more illuminating than treating them as discrete, unrelated events. We call for ontologically agnostic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research to study the effects of continued mindfulness meditation and their contexts, advancing the view that practical information found within religious and spiritual contemplative traditions can serve to develop initial theories and scientifically falsifiable hypotheses. Such investigation could inform safer and more effective applications of mindfulness meditation training for improving health and well-being.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Galante, J.
Secondary author(s):
Grabovac, A., Wright, M., Ingram, D. M., Van Dam, N. T., Sanguinetti, J. L., Sparby, T., van Lutterveld, R., Sacchet, M. D.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Percentiles:
4
Reference:
Galante, J., Grabovac, A., Wright, M., Ingram, D. M., Van Dam, N. T., Sanguinetti, J. L., Sparby, T., van Lutterveld, R., & Sacchet, M. D. (2023). A framework for the empirical investigation of mindfulness meditative development. Mindfulness, 14(5), 1054-1067. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-023-02113-8
2-year Impact Factor: 3.600|2022
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2023
Times cited: 4|2024-02-16
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Mindfulness / Meditation / Well-being / Mental health

A framework for the empirical investigation of mindfulness meditative development

A framework for the empirical investigation of mindfulness meditative development
DocumentReal-time semi-automated and automated voxel placement using fMRI targets for repeated acquisition magnetic resonance spectroscopy2023

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.06
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Real-time semi-automated and automated voxel placement using fMRI targets for repeated acquisition magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165027023000729?via%3Dihub
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Background:
Currently, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is dependent on the investigative team to manually prescribe, or demarcate, the desired tissue volume-of-interest. The need for a new method to automate precise voxel placements is warranted to improve the utility and interpretability of MRS data.
New method:
We propose and validate robust and real-time methods to automate MRS voxel placement using functionally defined coordinates within the prefrontal cortex. Data were collected and analyzed using two independent prospective studies: 1) two independent imaging days with each consisting of a multi-session sandwich design (MRS data only collected on one of the days determined based on scan time) and 2) a longitudinal design. Participants with fibromyalgia syndrome (N=50) and major depressive disorder (N=35) underwent neuroimaging. MRS acquisitions were acquired at 3-tesla. Evaluation of the reproducibility of spatial location and tissue segmentation was assessed for: 1) manual, 2) semi-automated, and 3) automated voxel prescription approaches RESULTS:
Variability of voxel grey and white matter tissue composition was reduced using automated placement protocols. Spatially, post- to pre-voxel center-of-gravity distance was reduced and voxel overlap increased significantly across datasets using automated compared to manual procedures
COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS:
Manual prescription, the current standard in the field, can produce inconsistent data across repeated acquisitions. Using automated voxel placement, we found reduced variability and more consistent voxel placement across multiple acquisitions CONCLUSIONS:
These results demonstrate the within subject reliability and reproducibility of a method for reducing variability introduced by spatial inconsistencies during MRS acquisitions. The proposed method is a meaningful advance toward improved consistency of MRS data in neuroscience and can be utilized for multi-session and longitudinal studies.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Bishop, J. H.
Secondary author(s):
Geoly, A., Khan, N., Tischler, C., Krueger, R., Keshava, P., Amin, H., Baltusis, L., Wu, H., Spiegel, D., Williams, N., Sacchet, M. D.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Percentiles:
7
Reference:
Bishop, J. H., Geoly, A., Khan, N., Tischler, C., Krueger, R., Keshava, P., Amin, H., Baltusis, L., Wu, H., Spiegel, D., Williams, N., & Sacchet, M. D. (2023). Real-time semi-automated and automated voxel placement using fMRI targets for repeated acquisition magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 392, 109853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109853
2-year Impact Factor: 3.000|2022
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2023
Times cited: 0|2024-02-16
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) / Voxel placement / Data acquisition / Reliability / Reproducibility / Longitudinal
DocumentCessations of consciousness in meditation: Advancing a scientific understanding of nirodha samapatti2023

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.07
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Cessations of consciousness in meditation: Advancing a scientific understanding of nirodha samapatti
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079612322001984?via%3Dihub
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Absence of consciousness can occur due to a concussion, anesthetization, intoxication, epileptic seizure, or other fainting/syncope episode caused by lack of blood flow to the brain. However, some meditation practitioners also report that it is possible to undergo a total absence of consciousness during meditation, lasting up to 7 days, and that these “cessations” can be consistently induced. One form of extended cessation (i.e., nirodha samapatti) is thought to be different from sleep because practitioners are said to be completely impervious to external stimulation. That is, they cannot be 'woken up' from the cessation state as one might be from a dream. Cessations are also associated with the absence of any time experience or tiredness, and are said to involve a stiff rather than a relaxed body. Emergence from meditation-induced cessations is said to have profound effects on subsequent cognition and experience (e.g., resulting in a sudden sense of clarity, openness, and possibly insights). In this paper, we briefly outline the historical context for cessation events, present preliminary data from two labs, set a research agenda for their study, and provide an initial framework for understanding what meditation induced cessation may reveal about the mind and brain. We conclude by integrating these so-called nirodha and nirodha samapatti experiences—as they are known in classical Buddhism—into current cognitive-neurocomputational and active inference frameworks of meditation.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Laukkonen, R. E.
Secondary author(s):
Sacchet, M. D., Barendregt, H., Devaney, K. J., Chowdhury, A., Slagter, H. A.
Document type:
Book chapter
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Laukkonen, R. E., Sacchet, M. D., Barendregt, H., Devaney, K. J., Chowdhury, A., & Slagter, H. A. (2023). Cessations of consciousness in meditation: Advancing a scientific understanding of nirodha samapatti. Progress in Brain Research, 280, 61–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.12.007
Indexed document: Yes
Keywords: Consciousness / Meditation / Cessation / Awareness / Active inference / Predictive processing / Nirodha samapatti
DocumentIn God we trust: Effects of spirituality and religion on economic decision making2023

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.08
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
In God we trust: Effects of spirituality and religion on economic decision making
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886923002738
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Background
Spirituality and religion (S/R) are highly prevalent and relate to various aspects of mental health. However, S/R is multifaceted, and cognitive and behavioral mechanisms of S/R are unclear. Spiritual beliefs and attitudes, and regular practice of religious rituals, may facilitate general consistency of behavior and attenuate impulsive reactivity to loss and gains.
Methods
We utilized a sophisticated and complex economic decision-making paradigm – the Sequential Investment Task – to probe effects of S/R on behavioral adaptation to positive and negative outcomes (both real and fictive) within a diverse community-based sample (n = 242). S/R was assessed with a wide range of self-report measures.
Results
Collectively, facets of religion had significant effects on task variables, suggesting that religious involvement is associated with more consistency in decision making, and less behavioral change resulting from real gains and fictive losses, but not real losses. Conversely, spirituality was not significantly tied to behavior overall, though some facets (i.e., importance of spirituality and belief in God) predicted greater behavioral consistency.
Discussion
This study suggests that religion, but not spirituality, is associated with greater uniformity of behavioral responding, less reactivity to positive outcomes, and less reactivity to perceived losses, when making investment decisions.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Rosmarin, D. H.
Secondary author(s):
Chowdhury, A., Pizzagalli, D, A., Sacchet, M. D.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Percentiles:
7
Reference:
Rosmarin, D. H., Chowdhury, A., Pizzagalli, D, A., & Sacchet, M. D. (2023). In God we trust: Effects of spirituality and religion on economic decision making. Personality and Individual Differences, 214: 112350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2023.112350
2-year Impact Factor: 4.3|2022
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2023
Times cited: 0|2024-02-16
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Sequential Investment Task / Cognitive / Behavioral / Mechanisms
DocumentInvestigation of advanced mindfulness meditation "cessation" experiences using EEG spectral analysis in an intensively sampled case study2023

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.09
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Investigation of advanced mindfulness meditation "cessation" experiences using EEG spectral analysis in an intensively sampled case study
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028393223002282
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Mindfulness meditation is a contemplative practice informed by Buddhism that targets the development of present-focused awareness and non-judgment of experience. Interest in mindfulness is burgeoning, and it has been shown to be effective in improving mental and physical health in clinical and non-clinical contexts. In this report, for the first time, we used electroencephalography (EEG) combined with a neurophenomenological approach to examine the neural signature of "cessation" events, which are dramatic experiences of complete discontinuation in awareness similar to the loss of consciousness, which are reported to be experienced by very experienced meditators, and are proposed to be evidence of mastery of mindfulness meditation. We intensively sampled these cessations as experienced by a single advanced meditator (with over 23,000 h of meditation training) and analyzed 37 cessation events collected in 29 EEG sessions between November 12, 2019, and March 11, 2020. Spectral analyses of the EEG data surrounding cessations showed that these events were marked by a large-scale alpha-power decrease starting around 40 s before their onset, and that this alpha-power was lowest immediately following a cessation. Region-of-interest (ROI) based examination of this finding revealed that this alpha-suppression showed a linear decrease in the occipital and parietal regions of the brain during the pre-cessation time period. Additionally, there were modest increases in theta power for the central, parietal, and right temporal ROIs during the pre-cessation timeframe, whereas power in the Delta and Beta frequency bands were not significantly different surrounding cessations. By relating cessations to objective and intrinsic measures of brain activity (i.e., EEG power) that are related to consciousness and high-level psychological functioning, these results provide evidence for the ability of experienced meditators to voluntarily modulate their state of consciousness and lay the foundation for studying these unique states using a neuroscientific approach.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Chowdhury, A.
Secondary author(s):
Lutterveld, R. V., Laukkonen, R. E., Slagter, H. A., Ingram, D. M., Sacchet, M. D.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Percentiles:
7
Reference:
Chowdhury, A., Lutterveld, R. V., Laukkonen, R. E., Slagter, H. A., Ingram, D. M., & Sacchet, M. D. (2023). Investigation of advanced mindfulness meditation "cessation" experiences using EEG spectral analysis in an intensively sampled case study. Neuropsychologia, 190, 108694. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108694
2-year Impact Factor: 2.6|2022
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2023
Times cited: 0|2024-02-16
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Alpha activity / Cessation / Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Fruition / Meditation / Mindfulness / Nirodha / Theta activity
DocumentIntensive whole-brain 7T MRI case study of volitional control of brain activity in deep absorptive meditation states2024

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.10
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Intensive whole-brain 7T MRI case study of volitional control of brain activity in deep absorptive meditation states
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhad408
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Jhanas are profound states of mind achieved through advanced meditation, offering valuable insights into the nature of consciousness and tools to enhance well-being. Yet, its neurophenomenology remains limited due to methodological difficulties and the rarity of advanced meditation practitioners. We conducted a highly exploratory study to investigate the neurophenomenology of jhanas in an intensively sampled adept meditator case study (4 hr 7T fMRI collected in 27 sessions) who performed jhana meditation and rated specific aspects of experience immediately thereafter. Linear mixed models and correlations were used to examine relations among brain activity and jhana phenomenology. We identified distinctive patterns of brain activity in specific cortical, subcortical, brainstem, and cerebellar regions associated with jhana. Furthermore, we observed correlations between brain activity and phenomenological qualities of attention, jhanic qualities, and narrative processing, highlighting the distinct nature of jhanas compared to non-meditative states. Our study presents the most rigorous evidence yet that jhana practice deconstructs consciousness, offering unique insights into consciousness and significant implications for mental health and well-being.
Accessibility: Document exits in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Yang, W. F. Z.
Secondary author(s):
Chowdhury, A., Bianciardi, M., van Lutterveld, R., Sparby, T., Sacchet, M. D.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Yang, W. F. Z., Chowdhury, A., Bianciardi, M., van Lutterveld, R., Sparby, T., & Sacchet, M. D. (2024). Intensive whole-brain 7T MRI case study of volitional control of brain activity in deep absorptive meditation states. Cerebral Cortex, 34(1), bhad408. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhad408
2-year Impact Factor: 3.7|2022
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2023
Times cited: 0|2024-02-16
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: 7T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) / Advanced meditation / Brainstem and thalamus / Consciousness / Neurophenomenology
DocumentFinal report - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation2024

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Publication year: 2024
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT:
Background
Mindfulness meditation is a contemplative practice informed by Buddhism that targets the development of present-focused awareness and non-judgment of experience. Interest in mindfulness is burgeoning, and it has been shown to be effective in improving mental and physical health in clinical and non-clinical contexts.
Aims
In this report, for the first time, we used electroencephalography (EEG) combined with a neurophenomenological approach to examine the neural signature of “cessation” events, which are dramatic experiences of complete discontinuation in awareness similar to the loss of consciousness, which are reported to be experienced by very experienced meditators, and are proposed to be evidence of mastery of mindfulness meditation.
Method
We intensively sampled these cessations as experienced by a single advanced meditator (with over 23,000 hours of meditation training) and analyzed 37 cessation events collected in 29 EEG sessions.
Results
Spectral analyses of the EEG data surrounding cessations showed that these events were marked by a large-scale alpha-power decrease starting around 40 seconds before their onset, and that this alpha-power was lowest immediately following a cessation. Region-of-interest (ROI) based examination of this finding revealed that this alpha-suppression showed a linear decrease in the occipital and parietal regions of the brain during the pre-cessation time period. Additionally, there were modest increases in theta power for the central, parietal, and right temporal ROIs during the pre-cessation timeframe, whereas power in the Delta and Beta frequency bands were not significantly different surrounding cessations.
Conclusions
By relating cessations to objective and intrinsic measures of brain activity (i.e., EEG power) that are related to consciousness and high-level psychological functioning, these results provide evidence for the ability of experienced meditators to voluntarily modulate their state of consciousness and lay the foundation for studying these unique states using a neuroscientific approach.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
3
Indexed document:
No
Keywords: Meditation / Advanced meditation / Neuroimaging / Phenomenology / Neurophenomenology

Final report - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation

Final report - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
DocumentToward a Brain Network Science of Mindfulnessin press

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.11
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Toward a Brain Network Science of Mindfulness
Publication year: in press
Accessibility:
Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Treves, I. N.
Secondary author(s):
Bauer, C. C., Sacchet, M. D., Greene, K. D., Berkovich-Ohana, A., Whitfield-Gabrieli, S.
Document type:
Book chapter
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Treves, I. N., Bauer, C. C., Sacchet, M. D., Greene, K. D., Berkovich-Ohana, A., & Whitfield-Gabrieli, S. (in press). Toward a Brain Network Science of Mindfulness. In B. D. Ostafin, M. D. Robinson & B. P. Meier (Eds.), The Handbook of Mindfulness and Self-Regulation: Cognitive Neuroscience, Social Personality, Clinical, and Applied Perspectives. New York, USA: Springer.
Indexed document: No
DocumentIndividualized functional brain system topologies and major depression: Relations among patch sizes and clinical profiles and behavior2024

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.12
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Individualized functional brain system topologies and major depression: Relations among patch sizes and clinical profiles and behavior
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.02.011
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Background
Neuroimaging studies of major depression have been typically conducted using group-level approaches. However, given interindividual differences in brain systems, there is a need for individualized approaches to brain systems mapping and putative links toward diagnosis, symptoms, and behavior.
Method
We used an iterative parcellation approach to map individualized brain systems in 328 participants from a multi-site, placebo-controlled clinical trial. We hypothesized that depressed participants would show abnormalities in salience, control, default, and affective systems, which would be associated with higher levels of self-reported anhedonia, anxious arousal, and worse cognitive performance. Within hypothesized brain systems, we compared patch sizes (number of vertices) between depressed and healthy control groups. Within depressed groups, abnormal patches were correlated with hypothesized clinical and behavioral measures
Results
Significant group differences emerged in hypothesized patches of (a) the lateral salience system (parietal operculum; t=–3.11, p=0.002) and (b) control system (left medial posterior prefrontal cortex region; z=–3.63, p<0.001), with significantly smaller patches in these regions in depressed participants compared to healthy controls. Results suggest that depressed participants with significantly smaller patch sizes in lateral salience system and control system regions experience greater anxious arousal and cognitive deficits
Conclusion
Findings imply neural features mapped at the individual-level may relate meaningfully to diagnosis, symptoms, and behavior. There is strong clinical relevance in taking an individualized brain systems approach to mapping neural functional connectivity as these associated region patch sizes may help advance our understanding of neural features linked to psychopathology and foster future patient-specific clinical decision-making.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Sacchet, M. D.
Secondary author(s):
Keshava, P., Walsh, S. W, Potash, R. M., Li, M., Liu, H., Pizzagalli, D. A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Sacchet, M. D., Keshava, P., Walsh, S. W., Potash, R. M., Li, M., Liu, H., & Pizzagalli, D. A. (2024). Individualized functional brain system topologies and major depression: Relations among patch sizes and clinical profiles and behavior. Biological Psychiatry. Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 9(6), 616-625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.02.011
2-year Impact Factor: 10.6|2022
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2024
Times cited: 0|2024-03-07
Indexed document: No
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Major depressive disorder / Computational neuroimaging / Functional brain systems / Individualized brain mapping / Neuroscience / Person-specific approaches

Individualized functional brain system topologies and major depression: Relations among patch sizes and clinical profiles and behavior

Individualized functional brain system topologies and major depression: Relations among patch sizes and clinical profiles and behavior
DocumentVolitional mental absorption in meditation: Toward a scientific understanding of advanced concentrative absorption meditation and the case of jhana2024

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.13
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Volitional mental absorption in meditation: Toward a scientific understanding of advanced concentrative absorption meditation and the case of jhana
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31223
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Meditation has been integral to human culture for millennia, deeply rooted in various spiritual and contemplative traditions. While the field of contemplative science has made significant steps toward understanding the effects of meditation on health and well-being, there has been little study of advanced meditative states, including those achieved through intense concentration and absorption. We refer to these types of states as advanced concentrative absorption meditation (ACAM), characterized by absorption with the meditation object leading to states of heightened attention, clarity, energy, effortlessness, and bliss. This review focuses on a type of ACAM known as jhana (ACAM-J) due to its well-documented history, systematic practice approach, recurring phenomenological themes, and growing popularity among contemplative scientists and more generally in media and society. ACAM-J encompasses eight layers of deep concentration, awareness, and internal experiences. Here, we describe the phenomenology of ACAM-J and present evidence from phenomenological and neuroscientific studies that highlight their potential
applications in contemplative practices, psychological sciences, and therapeutics. We additionally propose theoretical ACAM-J frameworks grounded in current cognitive neuroscientific understanding of meditation and ancient contemplative traditions. We aim to stimulate further research on ACAM more broadly, encompassing advanced meditation including meditative development
and meditative endpoints. Studying advanced meditation including ACAM, and specific practices such as ACAM-J, can potentially revolutionize our understanding of consciousness and applications for mental health.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Yang, W. F.
Secondary author(s):
Sparby, T., Wright, M., Kim, E., Sacchet, M. D.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Yang, W. F., Sparby, T., Wright, M., Kim, E., & Sacchet, M. D. (2024). Volitional mental absorption in meditation: Toward a scientific understanding of advanced concentrative absorption meditation and the case of jhana. Heliyon, 10(10), e31223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31223
2-year Impact Factor: 4.0|2022
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2024
Times cited: 0|2024-06-19
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Advanced meditation / Advanced concentrative absorption meditation / Jhana / Neuroimaging / MRI / Consciousness / Mental health / Human flourishing

Volitional mental absorption in meditation: Toward a scientific understanding of advanced concentrative absorption meditation and the case of jhana

Volitional mental absorption in meditation: Toward a scientific understanding of advanced concentrative absorption meditation and the case of jhana
DocumentWithin-subject reliability of brain networks during advanced meditation: An intensively sampled 7 Tesla MRI case study2024

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
099 - Beyond "mindfulness" and toward a modern science of meditative mastery and spiritual transformation
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Matthew Sacchet, Diego Pizzagalli, Remko van Lutterveld, Marta Bianciardi
Institution(s): Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research - CDASR, McLean Hospital, Belmont (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Sacchet, M.
Secondary author(s):
Pizzagalli, D., van Lutterveld, R., Bianciardi, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Advanced meditation / Enlightenment / Neuroimaging / Mindfulness meditation / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-099.14
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Within-subject reliability of brain networks during advanced meditation: An intensively sampled 7 Tesla MRI case study
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.26666
Abstract/Results: Abstract:
Advanced meditation such as jhana meditation can produce various altered states of consciousness (jhanas) and cultivate rewarding psychological qualities including joy, peace, compassion, and attentional stability. Mapping the neurobiological substrates of jhana meditation can inform the development and application of advanced meditation to enhance well-being. Only two prior studies have attempted to investigate the
neural correlates of jhana meditation, and the rarity of adept practitioners has largely restricted the size and extent of these studies. Therefore, examining the consistency and reliability of observed brain responses associated with jhana meditation can be valuable. In this study, we aimed to characterize functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reliability within a single subject over repeated runs in canonical brain networks
during jhana meditation performed by an adept practitioner over 5 days (27 fMRI runs) inside an ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI scanner. We found that thalamus and several cortical networks, that is, the somatomotor, limbic, default-mode, control, and temporo-parietal, demonstrated good within-subject reliability across all jhanas. Additionally, we found that several other relevant brain networks (e.g., attention, salience) showed noticeable increases in reliability when fMRI measurements were adjusted for variability in self-reported phenomenology related to jhana meditation. Overall, we present a preliminary template of reliable brain areas likely underpinning core neurocognitive elements of jhana meditation, and highlight the utility of neurophenomenological experimental designs for better characterizing neuronal variability associated with advanced meditative states.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Ganesan, S.
Secondary author(s):
Yang, W. F. Z., Chowdhury, A., Zalesky, A., Sacchet, M. D.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Ganesan, S., Yang, W. F. Z., Chowdhury, A., Zalesky, A., & Sacchet, M. D. (2024). Within-subject reliability of brain networks during advanced meditation: An intensively sampled 7 Tesla MRI case study. Human Brain Mapping, 45(7). https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.26666
2-year Impact Factor: 3.5|2023
Times cited: 1|2024-06-19
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: 7 T functional MRI / Advanced meditation / Consciousness / Intraclass correlation (ICC) / Jhana / Neurophenomenology / Within-subject reliability

Within-subject reliability of brain networks during advanced meditation: An intensively sampled 7 Tesla MRI case study

Within-subject reliability of brain networks during advanced meditation: An intensively sampled 7 Tesla MRI case study