Meditating Yourself into Trouble? How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Mindfulness
Meditating Yourself into Trouble? How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Mindfulness
Psych 🧠- 345/500
Hello Reader,
This research paper investigates the occurrence of adverse effects (unwanted or negative experiences) related to meditation practice, specifically in a population-based sample in the United States.
What is it?
While meditation and mindfulness-based interventions are generally considered beneficial, the researchers aim to understand how common these adverse effects are, who might be at higher risk, and how people perceive the practice even with the potential for negative experiences.
Major Findings
Meditation-related adverse effects (MRAE) are common: More than half of the participants who had experience with meditation reported experiencing at least one adverse effect, with a significant portion lasting longer than one month.
Anxiety & emotional sensitivity are most frequent: These were the most commonly reported specific types of MRAE. Some participants also reported functional impairment due to MRAE, though mostly for short durations.
Meditation amount is linked to MRAE: Individuals with more meditation experience (both in terms of hours practiced and recent engagement) were more likely to report MRAE, suggesting a potential dose-response relationship.
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What do I need to know:
By highlighting their prevalence and potential risk factors, the findings underscore the need for greater transparency and individualized approaches to meditation practice for max. benefits and min. potential harm.
MRAE are not uncommon: While meditation is generally beneficial, it's important to acknowledge and be transparent about the potential for negative experiences, even with modest amounts of practice.
Risk factors exist: Individuals with a history of childhood adversity and those with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness might be at greater risk for experiencing MRAE.
More research is needed: Systematic investigation of MRAE prevalence, predictors, and the long-term consequences of these experiences is crucial to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of meditation.
Focus on accurate information and trauma-sensitivity: Providers and consumers need to have realistic expectations about the potential range of effects, and interventions may need to be adapted to be more trauma-sensitive for vulnerable populations.
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