Plasticity of the Compassionate Brain

The purpose of the study is to look at the long term effects of a complex socio-affective mental training program on a neuroscientific-, hormonal-, behavioral-, biological, and subjective measures-level. The training protocol consists of a variety of meditation and other mental health techniques, which are trained over the period of 3-9 months (13 weeks per Module; 1-3 Modules)

The ReSource Project is a unique, large-scale study on the effects of mental training techniques. Over a period of three to nine months, participants practice a wide range of mental exercises that are designed to enhance attentional control, body- and self-awareness, emotion regulation, self-care, compassion, empathy, and perspective taking. Overall, the aim of the training is to improve mental health and social skills. It may reduce stress, improve mental clarity, increase life satisfaction, and lead to a better understanding of others' views, values, and actions.

The ReSource Project is a secular program developed by a team of experienced meditation teachers, scientists, and psychotherapists.

Over the last decades, isolation, stress, and psychological tensions have been steadily increasing in our society. Mental training can alter stress responses, physical health, resilience, attention, perception, emotional experience, and social behavior. Evidence for these results is based on previous studies showing behavioral changes, as well as observed changes in brain function and structure. Moreover, health factors, such as peripheral autonomic responses, stress hormones, and immune parameters were significantly changed after training.

The ReSource Project consists of three consecutive modules: called "Presence", "Perspective", and "Affect". The Presence Module trains mindful attention to internal mental and physical processes. The Perspective Module focuses on socio-cognitive abilities, such as insight into the nature of the mind and self, and also the ability to assume the perspective of others. The Affect Module focuses on constructive ways of dealing with difficult emotions, and works to cultivate prosocial motivations and positive emotions such as compassion.

In contrast to most previous studies of just a few months, the ReSource Project will be conducted over a period of 3-9 months for three experimental cohorts (cohorts start in a shifted design; 2 cohorts train over a period of 9 months (all 3 Modules in different orders, 13 weeks per Module), 1 cohort trains over 3 months (only the Affect Module)), and will cover a wide range of practices intended to enhance cognitive and socio-affective skills. 2 retest control cohorts account for the effects of repeated testing.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* is a healthy, normal subject

Exclusion Criteria:

* can not participate in the kick-off retreats
* does not have a PC with internet connection at home
* does not speak and understand German fluently
* has studied or is studying Psychology/Psychotherapy
* has a daily meditation practice
* attended a meditation retreat within the last 2 years
* exceeds normal BDI
* not able to lie still in MRT scanner for scanning duration
* is pregnant or in lactation or plans to become pregnant
* has had a larger surgery or plans to have one during the next year
* has metal parts in the body (due to MRT scanning)
* has a cardiac pacemaker
* carries an insulin or medicine pump
* carries a shunt
* has a heart valve
* has an inner ear implant
* carries metal, piercings or electronics on / in the body, that cannot be removed
* has a tattoo in the head / throat area
* works in the field of metal processing (if that leads to small metal parts on the body, that cannot be removed)
* has dyslexia or ametropia
* has claustrophobia (MRI scanner)
* has severe hearing problems (MRI scanner)
* has limitations with motor functions
* has or had a severe injury in the head area
* has or had a neurological disease (meningitis, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarct, brain trauma, coma etc.)
* has or had epilepsy
* has a severe disease targeting the musculoskeletal system
* has a heart disease
* has a (peripheral) vascular disease, circulatory disorder, Raynaud´s disease
* has a liver disease
* has a respiratory disease
* has an affected kidney
* has an advanced multiple sclerosis
* has an infection (e.g., HIV)
* is in treatment due to chronic pain
* is on medication that effects the central nervous system (psychotropic drugs) during the last three months
* has been diagnosed with a mental health disease and is in treatment at the moment or within the last 2 years
* reaches clinical scores in the following questionnaires: TAS-20, MDI, STAI-trait, PHQ;
* reaches clinical scores following DSM-IV as determined by a SCID I and SCID II clinical interview