Research & Science

Stay at the forefront of mindfulness science with Mindful.org’s Mindfulness Research category. Here, we dive into the latest studies and findings that reveal the science behind mindfulness. Understand how mindfulness practices can impact the brain, enhance cognitive functions, and improve overall health and well-being. Our in-depth articles and analyses translate complex research into actionable insights, keeping you informed and knowledgeable about the empirical evidence supporting mindfulness.  
trauma brain
Kids & Teens
Healing Trauma Through Mindfulness 

Studies into the brains of chronically traumatized children reveal that although there can be crippling side-effects, there is also hope for healing with mindfulness practice. Read More 

  • Mindful Staff
  • April 7, 2011
A medium-sized dog with a brown and white coat and large, upright ears is sitting on a dark cushion. The dog is wearing a red collar with tags and looking attentively at the camera. The background consists of a white wall and door frame.
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Mindfulness for Dogs? 

A government-funded study of mindfulness in dogs offers promising preliminary findings, as April Primmero reports. Read More 

  • Line Goguen-Hughes
  • March 31, 2011
A mother monkey with light brown fur sits on the ground, cradling a baby monkey in her lap. The baby monkey clings closely to its mother, looking ahead. Both monkeys appear calm and close together against a plain white background.
Expert Interviews
Mindfulness Darwin 

Psychologist Paul Ekman reveals Charles Darwin's real view of compassion—and it's not what you might think. Darwin's belief that altruism is a vital part of life is being confirmed by modern science. Read More 

  • Line Goguen-Hughes
  • December 23, 2010
A person with short hair is sitting cross-legged on a rocky shore, meditating with eyes closed. They are wearing a long-sleeved dark shirt and white pants. The background shows a calm blue sea and a clear sky.
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Your Brain on Meditation 

Science has proven that meditating actually restructures your brain Kelly McGonigal tells us about the latest research—and how to put it into practice. Read More 

  • Kelly McGonigal
  • December 6, 2010
A person is sitting cross-legged on a yellow cushion, with hands resting on their knees. They are wearing a green long-sleeved shirt and black pants. The background shows a wooden floor.
Expert Interviews
Mindfulness: beyond the science 

Ed Halliwell on whether scientific studies on mindfulness can do justice to the transformations felt by those who practice it. Read More 

  • Line Goguen-Hughes
  • November 23, 2010
A whimsical drawing of various stylized faces and headshots surrounding a large red oval with a face inside it. The oval is placed toward the left-center, and the background is light blue. The faces and headshots vary in expression and design.
Expert Interviews
Stumbling on Happiness 

Are we just too stupid to be happy? Daniel Gilbert, Psychologist and author of Stumbling on Happiness, reveals some of the common mental mistakes that defeat our search for happiness. Read More 

  • Mindful Staff
  • September 8, 2010
Woman standing outdoors with eyes closed, practicing deep breathing—a peaceful moment inspired by the science of love.
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The Science of Love 

Are there provable methods we can use to become more altruistic and compassionate? Barry Boyce reports on CCARE's growing number of scientists and researchers who are studying how to bring out the best in human nature.  Read More 

  • Barry Boyce
  • September 7, 2010
Colorful abstract art with faces, speech bubbles, and text about reason, logic, religion, belief, and the intersection of mind and matter.
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Mind, Matter, or God? 

As the so-called new atheists go toe-to-toe with religious literalists, where do meditators stand? Barry Boyce reports on the middle way embracing both reason and the reality beyond it. Read More 

  • Mindful Staff
  • August 25, 2010
Ad for a mindfulness app with meditations, articles, and a section sidebar, shown on a phone held in hand.