The neural correlates of meditation: a systematic review

Record summary

This systematic review synthesized neuroimaging studies of meditation, including focused attention, open monitoring, compassion and related practices. It is a useful comparison lead because meditation provides culturally established, non-pharmacological altered states that can be contrasted with psychedelics, sleep and absorption. The review found heterogeneous methods and limited convergence rather than one unique meditation signature. Researchers should verify included studies, meditation traditions, practitioner expertise, imaging modalities and the review’s treatment of multiple comparisons and publication bias.