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| A dual-stage mechanism analysis of loving-kindness meditation：Transformation of emotions, cognitions, and attitudes |
| LI Xiaoying |
| Party School of Ningde Municipal Committee of C. P. C., Ningde 352100 |
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Abstract In recent years, loving-kindness meditation（LKM） has attracted considerable attention for its proven benefits in enhancing mental and physical health as well as fostering pro-social behaviors. However, theoretical investigations into this practice are comparatively underdeveloped, primarily owing to an overlooking of its unique operative mechanisms. The most distinctive separation of loving-kindness meditation from other meditative disciplines is the strategic employment of linguistic cues to manipulate and formulate the content of awareness, prompting a profound shift in intrinsic experiences. This study divided LKM into two stages： “Self-blessing” and “blessing others”, methodically dissecting the process of loving-kindness meditation and the subsequent transformations in perspectives, emotions, cognitive processes, as well as the attitudes that practitioners may undergo. It postulates that emotional regulation, conceptual restructuring, and cognitive modulation are three pivotal mechanisms, ultimately leading to more positive experiences and a comprehensive improvement in physical and mental health. Future research is suggested to advance both theoretical research and practical applications.
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