The Neural Mechanisms of Trait Non-reactivity in Protection from Depression Vulnerability

Date:2013-07-04

A study from Dr. Lihong Wang’s group revealed that non-reactivity (one of the five facets of trait mindfulness) scores were inversely correlated with insula activation during processing negative emotional events after a short mindful breathing period. The results suggest that non-reactivity to inner experience could reduce vulnerability to depression in at least two ways: (1) by buffering against trait rumination and negative bias, and (2) by reducing automatic emotional responding via the insula. Paul et al. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2013; 8(1):56-64.