Neural Correlates of Dissociating Mindfulness Subdomains: A Differential Analysis Approach

Abstract Objectives In recent years, mindfulness has entered the scientific discourse, holding significant therapeutic potential. However, findings regarding its neurobiological basis have been inconsistent. Trait mindfulness comprises distinct dimensions, two of them are presence and acceptance, but neural correlates accompanying them remain largely underexplored. This study focuses on neurostructural associations reflecting these two subdomains’ distinct patterns to explore their complex interplay, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive, neural, and psychometrically grounded understanding of mindfulness. Method Structural MRI scans and acceptance and presence scores on the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory were analyzed in 261 healthy adults. Correlates of both subdomains, oppositely directed, were investigated through multiple linear regression analyses of grey matter volume (GMV). Threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE) corrected whole-brain, and region of interest analyses of the amygdala were conducted. Post-hoc, linear regression analyses were performed to further explore each subdomain. Results An intriguing dissociation in neurostructural correlates of acceptance and presence was observed: Acceptance correlated positively with GMV in the left rolandic operculum ( k TFCE-FWE = 243, p FWE = 0.02) and the left postcentral gyrus ( k TFCE-FWE = 17, p FWE < 0.05) and negatively with amygdala GMV ( k TFCE-FWE = 40, p FWE = 0.03), while presence correlated negatively with GMV in cortical areas. Conclusions Acceptance may promote non-judgmental integration of emotional and sensory stimuli, while presence reflects the capacity for sustained, focused attention. To our knowledge, this is the first study addressing the distinct neurostructural correlates of these subdomains, revealing their potential complementary and compensatory roles within mindfulness at both the neurobiological and psychometric levels. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.