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Training in contemplative practices such as mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness meditation has become very popular in Western societies over the past several decades, and this widespread embrace has merit. A sizable and growing body of intervention research has shown that such practices can reduce physical and mental health burdens and enhance well-being. Yet little research has addressed the value of contemplative practices for social well-being – belongingness, social connection, loneliness, relationship quality, prosociality, support for cultural diversity, and their roles in mental and physical health.
This Collection welcomes original research articles from Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and related fields that report work on the application of contemplative practices to social well-being outcomes and associated neurophysiological, behavioral, and other mechanisms.