Mental Training Affects Distribution of Limited Brain Resources

The information processing capacity of the human mind is limited, as is evidenced by the so-called "attentional-blink" deficit: When two targets (T1 and T2) embedded in a rapid stream of events are presented in close temporal proximity, the second target is often not seen. This deficit is believed to result from competition between the two targets for limited attentional resources. Here we show, using performance in an attentional-blink task and scalp-recorded brain potentials, that meditation, or mental training, affects the distribution of limited brain resources. Three months of intensive mental training resulted in a smaller attentional blink and reduced brain-resource allocation to the first target, as…

• MA
  Mind and Life Institute
• NI
  National Institute of Mental Health

  Awards: P50-MH069315-03, P50-MH069315, MH069315
• NC
  National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

  Award: U01AT002114-01A1