Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: The positive effects of meditation-based interventions on a variety of mental and physical disorders is increasingly being recognized in the scientific community, specifically in the context of treatments such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. While this is encouraging, the specific mechanisms by which such meditation-based interventions function is poorly understood. The present pilot feasibility study investigates the mechanisms and outcomes of metta meditation. Twenty three undergraduate students participated in a four week metta meditation program. Changes in levels of positive and negative affect, rumination, mindfulness, and symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed. Results indicate that participants experienced a decrease of negative affect over the course of the study, but no other variables showed significant differences before and after meditation. Levels of anxiety and depression symptoms did not differ from a control group over the four weeks. While the program appears feasible, longer instruction time is suggested for future research. The results of this study inform upcoming investigations on potential mechanisms within meditation-based treatments, which may eventually allow clinicians to make more informed treatment decisions with specific groups of clients when employing such interventions.
Author: Sean Houchins
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W126146168