Kindness meditation boosts memory recall in people with history of depression

UK: A recent study published in PLOS One showed the beneficial effect of meditation on memory improvement in people with a history of depression.

The study by researchers from the University of St. Andrews in the UK revealed that a meditation form focused on unconditional kindness can boost memory recall in people with a depression history. The study found that participants who engaged in daily kindness-focused meditation practices experienced increased retrieval of specific memories compared to a control group.

Autobiographical memory, which includes memories of personal experiences, plays a crucial role in various aspects of human functioning, such as self-concept, emotion regulation, and problem-solving. Previous research has indicated that individuals with depression often exhibit impairments in retrieving autobiographical memories.

The researchers recruited 50 students with a prior history of depression for the study. Participants were divided into two groups: meditation and control groups. The meditation group engaged in a ten-minute daily meditation practice to promote happiness, health, loving-kindness, and peace. The control group performed daily colouring activities, known to reduce anxiety.

After four weeks, the researchers assessed the participants' autobiographical memory by asking them to recall specific personal memories in response to cue words. The results showed that the meditation group had a greater increase in retrieving specific memories than the control group. Moreover, participants in both groups demonstrated improved recall of positive-specific memories.

The findings suggest that engaging in kindness meditation may positively impact autobiographical memory retrieval in individuals with a history of depression. The meditation practice not only enhanced memory specificity but also contributed to making memories more positive. These improvements in memory recall may potentially reduce cognitive vulnerability to depression.

The study highlights the potential of self-compassion and kindness meditation as interventions to influence autobiographical memory and mitigate the cognitive effects of depression. Addressing memory impairments and promoting positive memories offer a promising avenue for enhancing mental well-being in individuals with a history of depression.

Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of kindness meditation on memory recall and determine the optimal duration and frequency of meditation for maximum benefits. Nonetheless, these findings provide valuable insights into the potential of meditation as a non-pharmacological approach to improving memory and emotional well-being in individuals with a history of depression.

As researchers continue to delve into the benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices, these techniques may become valuable tools in the field of mental health, complementing existing treatments and providing individuals with additional strategies for managing their well-being.

Reference:

Lathan, A., & Dritschel, B. (2023). Increasing autobiographical memory specificity: Using kindness meditation to impact features of memory retrieval. PloS One, 18(6), e0287007. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287007