Top-down processing is a perceptual process where the recognition of stimuli is guided by an individual's pre-existing knowledge, experiences, and expectations. This cognitive approach is typically goal-directed, slow, deliberate, and effortful, operating under conscious control to interpret incoming sensory information.

Top-Down Processing

- Anterior Cingulate Cortex
- Insular Cortex
- Prefrontal Cortex
- Amygdala

Areas of the Brain Responsible for Mindfulness

Researchers compared neural structures and function of the brains within a group of participants. Only one facet (the describing facet) correlated with greater gray matter volume. The higher people scored on the describing facet, the higher their gray matter volume in a region that spanned the right amygdala and in the right anterior IC. 

Mindfulness Practice Builds Gray Matter

The greater amount of grey matter within the right amygdala, the lesser activity and thus the greater cognitive control of stressful/fearful emotional responses. This is likely because the amygdala is inhibited by the Prefrontal Cortex at rest. Thus the result is greater top-down control of the emotions.

University of Toledo

The study of Dispositional Mindfulness within the lens of Neurobiology. In more specific terms, figuring out what brain functions correspond to the activation of Dispositional Mindfulness.

The Neurobiology of Dispositional Mindfulness

The study of Emotion Regulation within the lens of Neurobiology. More specifically, understanding what brain functions correspond to Emotion Regulation. 

The Neurobiology of Emotion Regulation

Wheeler, M., Arnkoff, D., & Glass, C. (2017). The Neuroscience of Mindfulness: How Mindfulness Alters the Brain and Facilitates Emotion Regulation. Mindfulness, 8(6), 1471-1487.

How Mindfulness Alters the Brain and Facilitates Emotion Regulation

Mindfully Trained Right Amygdala

There are strong negative relationships between activity in the prefrontal cortex and in the right amygdala. This suggests that identifying and understanding one's emotions allows mindful people to detach from them. Thus, reduce the experience of negative affect arising from stimuli. 

Reduction of Negative Affect

Maladaptive emotion regulation occurs when the regulatory processes do not have the desired effect on emotion, or when the short-term gain of the regulatory effect (for example, to suppress anxiety) is outweighed by a long-term consequence of that regulation (for example, decreased quality of life). 

Maladaptive Emotion Regulation

Mindfulness practitioners show more activity in areas of the brain that support more momentary, experiential, self-focus (such as the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, the interior cortex, and the secondary somatosensory cortex). 

Brain Activity of Mindfulness Practitioners

Labeling emotions seems to aid in the ability to detach from them. Having the ability to detach from negative emotions will help generate greater positive psychology. 

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