The Neuropsychology of Spirituality

1. The Neuropsychology of Spirituality David F. O�Connell, Ph.D. Caron Foundation

2. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research Spirituality is an ill-defined concept � research has focused on empirical results from spiritual practices A significant body of research exists pointing to the medical and mental health benefits of spiritual practices, such as meditation

3. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont�d. Spirituality is a part of CAM Robert Keith Wallace, Ph.D. of UCLA, identified the impact of meditation (TM) as a �wakeful, restful, integrated, hyper-metabolic state� Early studies showed simple EEG changes, breath suspensions, reduced cortisol, and reduced plasma lactate

4. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont� Later studies showed marked reduction in anxiety and decrease in symptoms and need for medication in severely impaired psychiatric patients. Several studies showed reduced depression and insomnia. More recent studies in the medical literature indicated reduced arteriosclerosis and increased artery size, reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease, normalized blood pressure, reduced serum cholesterol levels

5. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont�d. More recent studies showed markedly increased EEG coherence Studies at the University of Pennsylvania indicated multiple neural changes associated with meditative practices and contemplative prayer

6. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont�d. SPECT studies show evidence for a theory of spiritual experience and development � decreased self/other distinction, feelings of timelessness, feelings of boundlessness, feelings of union, ecstatic/serene feelings associated with communication with higher power

7. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont�d. Research at Maharishi University by neurophysiologists, Dr. Arenander and Dr. Travis, at The Brain Research Institute, shows: The presence of transcendental consciousness, which underlies waking, dreaming, and sleeping states. The development of permanent transcendental consciousness.

8. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont�d. Their research concludes, �The coherent integration of cortical-thalamic processing loops leads to a global state of neural integration.� The state of neural integration corresponds to a state of fulfillment, well-being , serenity, and happiness and is associated with greater adaptability, flexibility, and creativity.

9. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont�d. Both these scientists and Dr. Newberg agree that the transcending reflex and the spiritual response are inherent and universal in human neurophysiology � spirituality cultivates and clarifies the experience. Research from the University of Wisconsin � Madison has shown some dramatic, profound changes associated with meditation, such as the suppression of the startle response, which has never been witnessed before in a neuropsychological lab

10. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont�d. Long term studies of seasoned, experienced meditators show dramatic shifts in many developmental indices, including moral development and cognitive development as well as qualities such as compassion, empathy, feelings of universality

11. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont�d. Transcendental meditation researchers as well as researchers on Buddhist meditation indicated that spiritual practices may reconfigure neural functioning and lead to increased brain integration. Such developments are associated with deep healing, creativity, stability, self-love, a dis-identification with the ego

12. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont�d. The development brought about by spiritual practices such as meditation is considered unidirectional, progressive, cumulative, sustained, and eventually can be permanent � may be what underlies the �spiritual awakening�

13. Issues/Applications in Spirituality Research cont�d. Practical medical benefits other than those previously mentioned studies on meditation include a reduction in doctors� office visits, decreased hospitalization, as well as reduced morbidity and mortality in may disease categories.

14. Implications for Addictions Treatment A statistical meta-analysis (O�Connell � Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly) on the practice of TM indicates that it is 1.6 to 9 times more effective than conventional approaches to addictions treatment Other data are emerging on the practice of mindfulness meditation and other contemplative approaches

15. Implications for Addictions Treatment cont�d. Meditation and other spiritual practices emerge as both primary and adjunctive treatments for addiction and associated psychological dysfunction and can deeply enrich and propel a spiritual program in addictions recovery Important uses in relapse prevention and treatment programs

16. Implications for Addictions Treatment cont�d. Important uses in drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs Produce significant cost savings for medical, psychiatric, and addictive disorders Research is continuing on neuroplasticity � the brain�s ability to change its structure and function � expanding or strengthening the circuits that are used and shrinking or weakening those that are rarely engaged