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Abstract

Although empirical interest in meditation has flourished in recent years, few studies have addressed possible downsides of meditation practice, particularly in community populations. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 male meditators in London, UK, recruited using principles of maximum variation sampling, and analysed using a modified constant comparison approach. Having originally set out simply to inquire about the impact of various meditation practices (including but not limited to mindfulness) on men’s wellbeing, we uncovered psychological challenges associated with its practice. While meditation was generally reported to be conducive to wellbeing, substantial difficulties accounted for approximately one quarter of the interview data. Our paper focuses specifically on these issues in order to alert health professionals to potential challenges associated with meditation. Four main problems of increasing severity were uncovered: Meditation was a difficult skill to learn and practise; participants encountered troubling thoughts and feelings which were hard to manage; meditation reportedly exacerbated mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety; and in a few cases, meditation was associated with psychotic episodes. Our paper raises important issues around safeguarding those who practise meditation, both within therapeutic settings and in the community.
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... However, several parents described the challenges of having an increased awareness of unpleasant aspects of their lives. There is evidence to suggest that some people might encounter challenges during early attempts of mindfulness and struggle with varying types of discomfort (Farias and Wilkholm, 2016;Lomas et al., 2015). Practising mindfulness is associated with psychological flexibility (Ruskin et al., 2018), and the ability to separate from negative thoughts rather than being caught up in them. ...
... Practising mindfulness is associated with psychological flexibility (Ruskin et al., 2018), and the ability to separate from negative thoughts rather than being caught up in them. Despite initial difficulties, mindfulness must be practised over time to change the impact of distressing inner experiences (Lomas et al., 2015). Unexpectedly, parents also reported how more people were conversing with them in public. ...
... However, Parent 9 reportedly had no anxiety at baseline or pre-intervention, which increased postintervention and at follow-up. One explanation for this could have been from an attentional focus developing, with parents engaging in more accurate reporting of physiological symptoms (Lomas et al., 2015). Importantly, neither parent spoke of their anxiety because of the intervention. ...
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Background Parents of children with skin conditions can experience stress from the additional responsibilities of care. However, there is a lack of psychological interventions for families affected by a dermatological diagnosis. Aims To investigate (1) whether delivering the ‘Living in the Present’ mindfulness curriculum to parents of children with skin conditions reduced stress and increased both parental/child quality of life (QoL), and (2) determine intervention acceptability. Method Ten parents of children with eczema, ectodermal dysplasia, ichthyosis, and alopecia took part in a mindfulness-based intervention. Using mixed methods, a single-group experimental case design (SCED) was conducted and supplemented by thematic analysis of exit interviews. Parents completed idiographic measures of parenting stress, standardised measures of QoL, stress, mindfulness, and took part in exit interviews. Children also completed QoL measures. Results Tau-U analysis of idiographic measures revealed three parents showed some significant improvements in positive targets, and five parents showed some significant improvements in negative targets. Assessment of reliable change demonstrated that: one parent showed improvement in mindful parenting, three parents showed improvement in parenting stress, seven parents showed improvement in anxiety, three parents showed improvements in depression, six parents showed improvement in QoL, and four children showed improvement in QoL. However, two parents showed increased anxiety. Thematic analysis revealed positive changes to mood following mindfulness, although challenges were highlighted, including sustaining home practice. Conclusion Findings suggest this specific form of mindfulness intervention could be effective for parents of children with skin conditions; however, further robust studies are needed.
... In addition, negative content, such as past trauma, unresolved emotional issues, or negative perceptions of the self, can emerge during meditation [70]. Teasdale et al. [115] also noted that mindfulness may exacerbate depression. ...
... Teasdale et al. [115] also noted that mindfulness may exacerbate depression. This may be because depressed individuals who practice mindfulness may fall into negative, repetitive thoughts because they are unable to shift their attention effectively [70]. ...
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The main objective of this article was to explore in depth the subjective experiences of higher education students in their mindfulness meditation practice, with a particular focus on the mental and emotional changes they perceive through their mindfulness practice in their daily academic life, as well as the specific challenges they encountered in the process. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology through semi-structured interviews in order to collect detailed personal narratives from students about their mindfulness meditation practice for thematic analysis. The study was conducted with nine higher education students who were undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as students in the gap year between their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and all participants had either short- or long-term experience of mindfulness meditation. Interviews centred on how students began their mindfulness practice, the impact of mindfulness on their daily lives, and the challenges they encountered in their mindfulness practice. The results of the study revealed that students experienced two main themes in mindfulness meditation: the benefits of mindfulness and the challenges of mindfulness practice. The study showed that mindfulness meditation has significant positive effects among higher education students, such as reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing present moment awareness, and promoting self-reflection and emotional regulation. However, despite the multiple benefits of mindfulness, students still face many challenges in their practice, such as difficulties in sustaining a long-term practice, interference from environmental factors, and negative emotions arising from meditation. These challenges suggest that effective integration of mindfulness practices in higher education settings still needs to be further explored. The study suggests that future mindfulness intervention programmes should be more personalised, taking into account the actual experiences and feelings of students in mindfulness practice, and designing mindfulness programmes that can meet the needs of different students. In addition, future research should further explore gender and ethnicity differences in mindfulness experiences to improve the applicability and effectiveness of mindfulness interventions for different student populations.
... Psychological mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction [2] and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy [10], primarily focus on learning mindfulness via regular practice in meditation. However, some studies suggest that learning mindfulness via traditional meditations may be demanding and aversive, and this may be particularly salient for clinical populations [11,12]. A metasynthesis of qualitative studies of group MBIs in clinical populations identified challenges, including being confronted with one's difficulties with fresh awareness, and, in some cases, experiencing more distress than before commencing, and practical concerns, such as finding the time and physical space to practice and difficulty grasping the core concepts of mindfulness [9]. ...
... While participants may see the value in focusing inward, as is commonly the approach in MBIs, they may not be ready to do this straight away. An approach of focusing out before focusing in may support participants who may otherwise be confronted with an increased awareness of internal state, with this experience of confrontation or awareness of unpleasant internal experiences being echoed in prior qualitative research [9,12]. ...
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Background Virtual reality (VR) has been proposed as a technology to support mindfulness practice through promoting increased engagement and presence. The proposed benefits of this technology have been largely unexamined with clinical populations. Further research is required to understand its clinical potential and utility in improving and managing mental health symptoms. Objective This study aims to investigate the proximal impacts of a single, brief, VR-supported mindfulness practice for individuals with a mood or anxiety disorder and to understand user experiences, which may affect the acceptability and efficacy of VR mindfulness for this population. Methods This mixed methods study recruited 28 participants with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder. Participants completed a mindfulness practice wearing a VR headset that was presenting an omnidirectional video of a forest scene, which was overlaid with a guided audio voiceover. Before and after the practice, measures were completed assessing state mindfulness (Toronto Mindfulness Scale), affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1; n=27). Semistructured interviews were then held inquiring about the user experience and were analyzed using thematic analysis (n=24). Results After completing the VR-supported mindfulness practice, both measures of state mindfulness on the Toronto Mindfulness Scale, mean curiosity and decentering, increased significantly (Cohen d=1.3 and 1.51, respectively; P<.001). Negative affect on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Cohen d=0.62; P=.003) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1 state anxiety (Cohen d=0.84; P<.001) significantly reduced. There was no significant change in positive affect (Cohen d=0.29; P=.08). Qualitative analysis of interviews identified 14 themes across 5 primary theme categories. The results suggested that being mindful during the use of the app was experienced as relatively effortless because of the visual and immersive elements. It was also experienced as convenient and safe, including when compared with prior traditional experiences of mindfulness. Participants also identified the uses for VR-supported mindfulness in managing emotions and symptoms of mental illness. Conclusions The results provide preliminary evidence that VR-supported mindfulness can improve emotional states and manage mental health symptoms for those with mood or anxiety disorders. It offers some potential clinical applications for those with mood or anxiety disorders for exploration within future research.
... Несмотря на широкую применимость и внушительную доказательную базу созерцательных практик, и в частности осознанности, появляется немало свидетельств о возможных негативных эффектах, о которых конечные пользователи этих практик недостаточно осведомлены [57][58][59]. ...
... Наиболее распространенными временными негативными эффектами медитации являются тревога (33 %), подавленность (27 %) и когнитивные аномалии (25 %) [60]. Также практикующие сообщали, что сталкиваются с трудными и неприятными мыслями и чувствами во время медитации [58]. ...
Article
Contemplative practices are a wide range of techniques originating from contemplative traditions, incorporating mindfulness, self-regulation and / or self-awareness, embodiment, breathwork, movement-based, and dialogic exercises, and aiming to alter cognitive and emotional processes. Being a part of contemplative practices mindfulness represents one of the fastest growing areas of psychological research and practice. Evidence shows that mindfulness is effective in improving a wide range of biopsychosocial conditions in business, health, and education. The emergence of data on the effectiveness of mindfulness has led to the development of programs and interventions that utilize mindfulness and contemplative practices. In the Russian-speaking scientific community, however, contemplative practices are under-researched. In the field of mindfulness and contemplative practices in whole, there remain some current issues. Although considerable scholarly interest exists, research has largely focused on a narrow range of methods and traditions. Also, in the field of mindfulness, there are a number of important factors that reduce its effectiveness. These include the use of poor methodology, limited samples, insufficient consideration of religious and cultural context, the factor of trauma-informed practice, and the possible negative effects. The article discusses contemplative practices, their prevalence, and challenges, as well as gaps and trends in contemplative studies. Factors complicating the application and possible negative effects of contemplative practices in psychological care and counseling are presented. A perspective on contemporary contemplative interventions is outlined.
... Now, even though high awareness has many benefits (Brown & Ryan, 2003) for meditators who are working to develop this quality, it is reported that heightened awareness also produces harmful consequences. The negative consequences of practicing high awareness reported by meditation practitioners are profound symptoms of anxiety, sadness, and trauma-related memories (Cebolla et al., 2017;Lomas et al., 2015). ...
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Even though the relationship between alexithymia and alcohol consumption has been long established, little is known about the factors which may explain this association. The purpose of this study was to investigate trait mindfulness as the mediator of the association between alexithymia and alcohol use. The study was conducted online. A convenient sample was used in the study which consisted of 629 adult participants (243 males). Alexithymia, mindfulness, and, alcohol consumption were assessed with questionnaires. The results were analyzed with Proces macro. The results revealed a full mediation between alexithymia, trait mindfulness and, alcohol consumption. It was shown that high alexithymia via high trait mindfulness contributes to greater levels of alcohol use. The present findings are discussed in the light of mindfulness as a mechanism which guide adaptable and unadaptable tendencies which therefore, can control the consequences alexithymia has on alcohol use.
... Despite its effectiveness, guided meditation presents challenges for both clients and therapists. Studies have found that learning to meditate can be difficult, with clients reporting issues such as distractions caused by the physical environment (e.g., noise, people and the struggle to visualize scenes based on instructions) (Anderson et al., 2019;Lomas et al., 2015a;Lomas et al., 2015b). Therapists face ongoing challenges in helping clients maintain their attention during meditation and visualize relaxing scenes (Lee, 2023). ...
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Introduction This study compared the influence of virtual reality (VR)-based and traditional (e.g., imagery-based) guided meditation on stress and concentration levels among South Korean adults. In addition, we examined whether concentration levels differed between individuals who are new to meditation and those who are experienced. Methods Seventy participants were randomly assigned to either the VR or imagery condition, where they engaged in breathing and waterfall concentration meditation. Pretest and posttest measures of heart rate (HR), galvanic skin response (GSR), negative affect, and concentration during meditation were recorded. Results Both VR- and imagery-based guided meditation significantly reduced HR, GSR, and negative affect. However, no significant differences in outcomes were observed between the two groups. Still, participants in the VR condition reported higher concentration levels during meditation, particularly novice meditators. In addition, qualitative feedback indicated that VR-based meditation was more effective in inducing positive emotions, such as calmness and enjoyment. Discussions While both VR- and imagery-based guided meditation effectively reduce stress and negative affect, VR-guided meditation shows promise for enhancing concentration, particularly for novice meditators.
... Beginners often grapple with questions like "what should it feel like?" or "am I doing it right?," which make the establishment of regular practice arduous (30,31). However, such ponderings are misguided; meditation transcends the pursuit of a specific phenomenological state. ...
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Background Meditation practices have demonstrated numerous psychological and physiological benefits, but capturing the neural correlates of varying meditative depths remains challenging. In this study, we aimed to decode self-reported time-varying meditative depth in expert practitioners using electroencephalography (EEG). Methods Expert Vipassana meditators (n = 34) participated in 2 separate sessions. Participants reported their meditative depth on a personally defined 1 to 5 scale using both traditional probing and a novel spontaneous emergence method. EEG activity and effective connectivity in theta, alpha, and gamma bands were used to predict meditative depth using machine/deep learning, including a novel method that fused source activity and connectivity information. Results We achieved significant accuracy in decoding self-reported meditative depth across unseen sessions. The spontaneous emergence method yielded improved decoding performance compared with traditional probing and correlated more strongly with postsession outcome measures. Best performance was achieved by a novel machine learning method that fused spatial, spectral, and connectivity information. Conventional EEG channel-level methods and preselected default mode network regions fell short in capturing the complex neural dynamics associated with varying meditation depths. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of decoding personally defined meditative depth using EEG. The findings highlight the complex, multivariate nature of neural activity during meditation and introduce spontaneous emergence as an ecologically valid and less obtrusive experiential sampling method. These results have implications for advancing neurofeedback techniques and enhancing our understanding of meditative practices.
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Background There has been rapid growth of neuroelectrophysiological studies that aspire to uncover the “black box” of mindfulness and meditation. Reliance on traditional data analysis methods hinders understanding of the complex, nonlinear, multidimensional, and systemic nature of the functional neuroelectrophysiology of meditation states. Methods Thus, to reveal the complex systemic neuroelectrophysiology of meditation, we applied a machine learning extreme gradient boosting classification algorithm and 4 complementary feature importance methods to extract systemic electroencephalography features characterizing mindful states from electroencephalography recorded during a focused attention meditation and a control mind-wandering state among 26 experienced meditators. Results The algorithm classified meditation versus mind-wandering states with 83% accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 79% and F1 score of 74%. Feature importance techniques identified 10 electroencephalography features associated with increased power and coherence of high-frequency oscillations during focused attention meditation relative to an instructed mind-wandering state. Conclusions The findings help delineate the complex systemic oscillatory activity that characterizes meditation.
Book
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The image we have of ourselves is shaped during our childhood and is often influenced by various emotional wounds. Mindfulness and the Self describes four types of these wounds and shows how they can be healed and transformed through developing mindfulness and self-compassion. Grounded in the innovative Mindfulness-Informed Integrative Psychotherapy framework, this book presents a revolutionary phenomenological model of maladaptive schemas and redefines our understanding of mental disorders. It offers practical procedures to uncover hidden core beliefs and treat our most painful inner feelings—existential fear, shame, and loneliness. Beyond healing, this text will guide you in developing an Authentic and Transcendent Self while alerting you to common pitfalls on your spiritual journey. Drawing on contemporary therapeutic approaches and integrating insights from neuroscience, psychedelic research, and Buddhist psychology, the book includes 20 practical exercises and presents practices and techniques that may be used in psychotherapy and personal development. This book is an inspiring read for therapists, mindfulness practitioners, and anyone eager to integrate therapeutic insights into their journey toward a fulfilling life. It is indispensable for all seeking to overcome emotional barriers and enhance personal and transpersonal growth.
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The health benefits of meditation are well-documented, yet people struggle to practice regularly. Domain-specific self-efficacy is an important modifiable driver of health behavior change that is poorly understood in the meditation context. As such, the present study developed the Self-Efficacy for Regular Meditation Practice Scale (SERMS) assessing confidence in one’s capacity to meditate frequently and in a way that favorably impacts well-being, including securing the psychological, social, and structural supports needed for ongoing practice. Participants provided online survey data at baseline and 1-week follow-up. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted ( n = 249) followed by confirmatory factor analysis ( n = 249). A three-factor structure best fit the data, with subscales measuring self-efficacy to benefit from meditation, persist in meditation, and obtain teacher and community support. Validity and test-retest reliability coefficients supported the SERMS as a promising measure of self-efficacy for meditation that may further research on meditation behavior adoption.
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Do not pursue the past. Do not lose yourself in the future. The past is history. The future yet to come. Looking deeply at life as it is in the very here and now, the practitioner dwells unshaken and free in heart. We must be diligent today, as death may strike tomorrow, for there is no bargaining with the lord of death.–The Buddha, 2,500 BCEThe principal Buddhist suttas on mindfulness include the ānāpānasati sutta, satipatthāna sutta, mahasatipatthāna sutta, and kāyagatāsati sutta. Irrespective of whether they prefer to practise mindfulness from a Buddhist or secular perspective, most dedicated mindfulness practitioners are familiar with many of the core teachings outlined in these suttas (e.g., use of the breath as a mindfulness anchor, mindfulness of the body and its constituents, maintaining mindful awareness during daily activities, etc.). However, one key aspect of the abovementioned suttas that often seems to be overlooked by mindfulness practitioners is the emphasis these teach
Chapter
This chapter discusses meditation; its psychological, behavioral, and physiological effects; and how it can be effectively incorporated into the routine care of individuals who require mental and medical interventions. The relaxation response is the biological consequence of a wide variety of mental focusing techniques, one of which is meditation. A variety of techniques can be used to elicit the relaxation response, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, yoga, exercise, repetitive prayer, and the presuggestion phase of hypnosis. Although all of these strategies result in the same physiological response, two components appear to be essential to achieving the relaxation response: mental focusing and adopting a passive attitude toward distracting thoughts. For many patients with psychological disturbances who might be hesitant to enter therapy, relaxation response training is a nonthreatening intervention that can be introduced prior to other more rigorous forms of therapy such as cognitive therapy or medication. Meditation and other modes of eliciting the relaxation response can be a means of preparing for standard psychotherapy by allowing the patient to observe thoughts and mental events. Relaxation-response training can also be used to facilitate behavior modification goals. The relaxation response has been associated with improvements in many medical conditions including hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, chronic pain, insomnia, side effects of cancer therapy, side effects of AIDS therapy, infertility, and preparation for surgery and X-ray procedures.
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This article describes the concept of posttraumatic growth, its conceptual foundations, and supporting empirical evidence. Posttraumatic growth is the experience of positive change that occurs as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life crises. It is manifested in a variety of ways, including an increased appreciation for life in general, more meaningful interpersonal relationships, an increased sense of personal strength, changed priorities, and a richer existential and spiritual life. Although the term is new, the idea that great good can come from great suffering is ancient. We propose a model for understanding the process of posttraumatic growth in which individual characteristics, support and disclosure, and more centrally, significant cognitive processing involving cognitive structures threatened or nullified by the traumatic events, play an important role. It is also suggested that posttraumatic growth mutually interacts with life wisdom and the development of the life narrative, and that it is an on-going process, not a static outcome.