Document Type

Article

Abstract

Background: Individuals with subclinical depression are prone to major depression and experience emotional responses and attentional biases to negative stimuli. Method: In a randomized controlled study (N = 42) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined the neurocognitive mechanisms behind mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combining loving-kindness meditation (LKM) on a group with subclinical depression compared with the relaxation group across emotional face n-back (EFNBACK) tasks and resting state. We also collected behavioral and self-reported data to confirm neurocognitive results. Results: During EFNBACK, the MBCT+LKM group showed greater activation in the left lingual gyrus and right inferior lateral occipital cortex. During rest, the MBCT+LKM group demonstrated increased connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex and right inferior lateral occipital cortex, right anterior insula and left precentral gyrus. From amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) data, activity in brain regions associated with cognitive control decreased and activity in brain regions associated with sensorimotor increased. Conclusion: These results suggest that MBCT+LKM alleviate depression for subclinical individuals through improving executive function when they face negative stimuli.

Publication Date

4-1-2024

Publication Title

International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology

Rights

CC BY-NC-ND

Volume

24

Issue

2

DOI

10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100459

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