Effects of self - administered binaural beats on meditative and introspective states

Amd, Micah (2026) Effects of self - administered binaural beats on meditative and introspective states. PLoS ONE, 21 (4). NA. ISSN 1932-6203

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Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests select binaural beat (BB) frequencies may enhance regulatory mood states, yet questions remain regarding their efficacy in natural- istic, self-administered settings. This study systematically assessed whether brief (five-minute) self-administered BB exposures modulate regulatory mood states across two studies. In Study 1, 101 participants received 3, 6, 9, or 12 Hz BBs via a 250 Hz carrier. Only theta (6 Hz) BBs significantly enhanced calmness and focus ratings (Hedge’s g’s > .84; p < .001). Exposure to 9 Hz and 12 Hz BBs significantly enhanced calmness alone (g’s > .72; p’s < .001). In Study 2, 118 participants under- went 6 Hz BBs, 6 Hz BBs embedded in pink noise, pink noise alone, or silence. Both BB conditions significantly increased calmness and focus (g’s > .74; p’s < .001). BBs embedded in pink noise were identified to be subjectively preferable relative to isolated BBs, both of which were preferred to pink noise alone or silence (p’s < .001). These results provide robust behavioral evidence that brief, self-administered theta BB protocols are effective, accessible, and scalable for enhancing meditative mood states in diverse populations.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions:	School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS)
Depositing User:	Micah Ahmad
Date Deposited:	16 Apr 2026 00:16
Last Modified:	16 Apr 2026 00:16
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/15317

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