The benefits of simply observing: mindful attention modulates the link between motivation and behavior.

摘要: Mindful attention, a central component of mindfulness meditation, can be conceived as becoming aware one’s thoughts and experiences being able to observe them transient mental events. Here, we present series studies demonstrating the effects applying this metacognitive perspective spontaneous reward responses when encountering attractive stimuli. Taking grounded cognition perspective, argue that simulations in response stimuli contribute appetitive behavior motivational states traits enhance these simulations. Directing mindful attention at seeing mere events should break link, such no longer affect behavior. To test account, trained participants their reaction events, using brief procedure designed for nonmeditators. Across 3 experiments, found adopting reduced on 2 domains, both laboratory field. Specifically, after participants’ sexual motivation made opposite-sex others seem more thus desirable partners. Similarly, levels hunger boosted attractiveness unhealthy foods, resulting healthier eating choices. We discuss results context mechanisms applications explore how conceptualized psychological research generally.