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Is there a 'God spot' in the brain?
Friday April 20, 2012 10:45:05 PM,
IANS
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Washington: Scientists have long speculated on a 'God spot,' a distinct area
of the human brain responsible for spirituality, but actually
multiple areas of the organ may be linked with such experiences,
says a study.
"We have found a neuro-psychological basis for spirituality, but
it's not isolated to one specific area of the brain," said Brick
Johnstone, professor of health psychology in University of
Missouri School of Health Professions, who led the study.
"Spirituality is a much more dynamic concept that uses many parts
of the brain. Certain parts of the brain play more significant
roles, but they all work together to facilitate individuals'
spiritual experiences," added Johntone, the International Journal
of the Psychology of Religion reports.
Johnstone studied a group of people with traumatic brain injuries
affecting the right parietal lobe, the area of the brain situated
a few inches above the right ear, according to a Missouri
statement.
He surveyed participants on characteristics of spirituality, such
as how close they felt to a higher power and if they felt their
lives were part of a divine plan. He found that the participants
with more significant injury to their right parietal lobe showed
an increased feeling of closeness to a higher power.
"Neuropsychology researchers consistently have shown that
impairment on the right side of the brain decreases one's focus on
the self," Johnstone said.
"Since our research shows that people with this impairment are
more spiritual, this suggests spiritual experiences are associated
with a decreased focus on the self. This is consistent with many
religious texts that suggest people should concentrate on the
well-being of others rather than on themselves," added Johnstone.
Johnstone says the right side of the brain is linked with
self-orientation, whereas the left side is tied with how
individuals relate to others.
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