Psychosomatic Healing through Alternative Therapy

Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Beulig, Alfred

Keywords

Psychoneuroimmunology, Tai Chi, Meditation

Area of Concentration

Biological Psychology

Abstract

This study examines the effects of mind-body alternative therapy on attention processing and selfperceived health in a considerably young and healthy population. Previous research provides support for increases in positive affect and measures of health associated with various forms of alternative therapy, however there is a need for research regarding underlying mechanisms involved in producing such effects. In an attempt to capture possible cognitive and particular neuronal networks that may be involved in such manipulation, this study utilizes a test of attention regulation to address modifications in activity of the main brain region associated with attention, the prefrontal cortex. Three experimental groups, Meditation, Walking, and Tai Chi, were tested against a control group on measures of the Stroop Color and Word Test and the SF-36v2 health survey. Results reflect the difference in scores before and after the three-week span of treatment. Trends in the data provide some support that combined mental and physical training may increase the effectiveness to which practices involving these elements may work to increase mental and physical health. The increased performance on the Stroop Color and Word Test may reflect enhanced prefrontal control over emotional centers that mediate the stress responses throughout the body.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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