An examination of neuroscience findings in attention, self-regulation, mindfulness, and narrative language. Potential links in psychotherapeutic interventions

This dissertation focuses on neuroscience research in attention and self-regulation and neuroplastic effects that have been found in mindfulness and narrative language. The review links neuroscience findings in mindfulness techniques and narrative language components and hypothesizes that similar effects in psychology interventions in MBCT, DBT, ACT, and positive psychology are possible. The aim of the analysis is to identify methods that enhance well-being through therapeutic interventions and make recommendations for future research.;A discussion regarding MBCT’s meditative techniques that use attention and self-regulation is addressed. The MBCT narrative component of naming is reviewed. The discussion concludes that willfully engaging in mindfulness based exercises potentially activates the action-monitoring circuitry of the prefrontal cortex.;DBT’s use of attentional mindfulness based interventions through observing, and describing are hypothesized to have self-regulatory effects by increasing activation in the prefrontal cortex and decreasing stimulation to the amygdala. DBT’s use of a narrative language strategy through reappraisal of emotions into three mind states; emotion mind, reasonable mind, and wise mind is hypothesized to engage the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulated cortex and the amygdala, major brain structures employed in self-regulation.;The ACT intervention of acceptance is used as an illustrative example of how the model employs reconstruction of narratives through a mindfulness process. It is concluded that labeling and reappraisal have a neurophysiological impact through self-regulatory processes and enhanced approach behavior.;Five positive psychology interventions reviewed are the gratitude visit, you at your best, three good things, using signature strengths and using signature strengths in a new way to assess potential neural influence. It is hypothesized that three good things and using signature strengths in a new way had the longest lasting effect from sustained attention to positive mental material and may have contributed to self-generating neural strengthening. The discussion proposes that attentional and self-regulatory processes disengaged habitual patterns through attention to positive stimuli and repetition. It is proposed that integration of character strengths and virtues into therapeutic interventions may strengthen self-regulatory processes by switching attention to positive stimuli and increase well-being. Recommendations are made for integrating attention and reappraisal strategies into therapeutic interventions to enhance well-being.