The Neuroscience of Religious and Spiritual Practices: A Systematic Review of Neurotheological Evidence.
Waqar Husain, Achraf Ammar, Urwa-Tul Wusqa et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined the neurobiological effects of religious and spiritual practices across various traditions, synthesizing findings from 105 studies using neuroimaging techniques. The review identified consistent neuroplastic changes in brain regions associated with attention, emotion regulation, and self-referential processing. Notably, long-term practitioners exhibited structural neuroplasticity linked to mental health outcomes.
Key findings
- Consistent engagement was observed in brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala across various practices.
- Meditation was associated with default mode network suppression and prefrontal augmentation.
- Long-term practitioners demonstrated structural neuroplasticity linked to depression, anxiety, and stress.
Why it matters
Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of religious and spiritual practices can inform mental health interventions and enhance the dialogue between clinical neuroscience and contemplative traditions, potentially improving patient outcomes.