The Influence of Twin Hearts Meditation on Mood, Cognitive Function, and Brain Activity: A Comparative Study of Experienced and Inexperienced Meditators

Objectives This study examined the effects of Twin Hearts Meditation (THM) on mood, cognitive performance, and brain activity, comparing outcomes between experienced (EXP) and Inexperienced (INEX) meditators. Methods Thirty-six participants (18 EXP Arhatic Yoga practitioners, 18 novices) completed self-report, behavioral, and electroencephalographic measures before and after a guided THM session. Assessments included psychological flexibility, absorption, mood, cognitive performance (Trail Making Test A and B, Flanker task), and neural indices (P300 responses, resting-state alpha and beta activity, peak alpha). Results At baseline, EXP meditators reported greater psychological flexibility, higher absorption, and more positive mood than novices. Following THM, both groups demonstrated significant mood improvements, including reductions in tension, fatigue, and confusion and increases in calmness and happiness. Cognitive effects were modest, with both groups showing faster performance on Trails B but not Trails A, while Flanker findings were mixed. No significant group or time effects emerged in electrophysiological measures, though exploratory analyses revealed associations between frontal beta asymmetry and mood disturbance. Conclusions Overall, THM reliably enhanced mood in both groups, suggesting accessibility for promoting emotional well-being. Findings highlight its potential for resilience-building programs, while emphasizing the need for larger, longitudinal studies to clarify mechanisms.