Scientific studies and peer-reviewed research on meditation and mental health effects for readers seeking evidence-based information.
The Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory (CLANlab)
The Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory (CLANlab), based at Brown University, studies contemplative, affective and clinical neuroscience. Co-directed by neuroscientist and clinical psychologist Willoughby Britton and religious studies scholar Jared Lindahl, the lab investigates how contemplative practices, including mindfulness-based interventions, affect cognitive, emotional and neurophysiological processes.
Its clinical research examines the psychological and biological effects of mindfulness-based interventions in people experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep difficulties, trauma, substance misuse and chronic or terminal illness. In non-clinical contexts, CLANlab studies mindfulness programmes delivered in schools, universities and medical settings, involving students, healthcare professionals and trainees.
The lab has also conducted qualitative research, including the “Varieties of Contemplative Experience” study, based on interviews with Buddhist practitioners and teachers to document a wide range of meditation-related experiences.
A central focus of CLANlab’s work is identifying practice-specific effects, understanding factors that influence outcomes, and investigating meditation safety. Its research asks which practices may be better or less well suited to particular individuals or conditions, and why.
Its clinical research examines the psychological and biological effects of mindfulness-based interventions in people experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep difficulties, trauma, substance misuse and chronic or terminal illness. In non-clinical contexts, CLANlab studies mindfulness programmes delivered in schools, universities and medical settings, involving students, healthcare professionals and trainees.
The lab has also conducted qualitative research, including the “Varieties of Contemplative Experience” study, based on interviews with Buddhist practitioners and teachers to document a wide range of meditation-related experiences.
A central focus of CLANlab’s work is identifying practice-specific effects, understanding factors that influence outcomes, and investigating meditation safety. Its research asks which practices may be better or less well suited to particular individuals or conditions, and why.
The image is of Willoughby Britton PhD, one of the Lab Directors.