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Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programs
Willoughby B Britton1, Jared R Lindahl2, David J Cooper1
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University.
Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) can cause meditation-related side effects (MRSE), with 83% of participants reporting at least one. While most effects are transient, some lasting adverse effects are linked to dysregulated arousal.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Mindfulness Studies
Background:
- Research on adverse effects of mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) is limited.
- Methodological limitations have hindered previous studies on MBP adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of meditation-related side effects (MRSE) in MBPs.
- To assess the impact and duration of adverse effects associated with mindfulness meditation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 44-item Meditation Experiences Interview (MedEx-I) with an independent assessor.
- Assessed 96 participants in three variants of an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program.
- Queried occurrence, causal link, duration, valence, and functional impact of MRSE.
Main Results:
- 83% of participants reported at least one MRSE.
- Negative valence MRSE occurred in 58%, and negative functional impact in 37% of the sample.
- Lasting adverse effects (6-14%) were associated with hyperarousal and dissociation.
Conclusions:
- Mindfulness meditation practice in MBPs is linked to transient distress and negative impacts.
- The rates of adverse effects are comparable to other psychological treatments.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate potential adverse effects.
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