Schizotypy and mindfulness: Magical thinking without suspiciousness characterizes mindfulness meditators

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Mindfulness interventions demonstrate efficacy across various disorders.
• Concerns persist regarding the link between mindfulness practice and psychosis.
• Schizotypy, a component of the psychosis spectrum, warrants investigation in relation to mindfulness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between long-term mindfulness practice and schizotypy.
• To investigate specific facets of mindfulness (awareness, non-judgment, non-reactivity) and their association with schizotypal traits.

Main Methods:

• Two independent studies compared experienced mindfulness practitioners (meditators) with meditation-naïve individuals.
• Participants completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and, in study 2, the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ).
• SPQ subscales assessed various schizotypal traits, including suspiciousness and social anxiety.

Main Results:

• Meditators exhibited significantly lower suspiciousness and higher magical thinking compared to controls.
• A trend towards lower excessive social anxiety was observed in meditators.
• Specific mindfulness facets (Awareness, Non-judgment, Non-reactivity) correlated negatively with suspiciousness and excessive social anxiety.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness practice is not associated with an overall increase in schizotypal traits.
• Mindfulness meditation, particularly emphasizing awareness, non-judgment, and non-reactivity, may reduce suspiciousness and excessive social anxiety.
• Findings suggest mindfulness can be a valuable tool in managing psychosis spectrum characteristics.