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Prevalence and Predictors of Self-Reported Adverse Experiences in Digital Meditation Training: 2 Randomized

Polina Beloborodova¹, Lillian M Smith^1,2, Kevin M Riordan^1,2

¹Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 625 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, United States, 1 608-263-6321.

JMIR Mental Health

|June 12, 2026

Summary

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The Scientific Method

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Research is what makes the difference between facts and opinions. Facts are observable realities, and opinions are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In the scientific community, facts can be established only using evidence collected through empirical research.

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Adverse experiences during digital meditation are common but not caused by the practice itself. Most users found meditation beneficial, suggesting experiences stem from existing distress, not meditation-induced harm.

Area of Science:

Psychology
Neuroscience
Digital Health

Background:

Digital meditation-based interventions (MBIs) have millions of users globally.
Concerns exist regarding adverse experiences (AExs) during meditation training.
Debate continues on whether AExs are iatrogenic or reflect common stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

Examine AEx prevalence and predictors in digital MBIs.
Assess if AExs are caused by meditation practice.
Evaluate subjective user experiences and coping strategies.

Main Methods:

Two trials of the Healthy Minds Program digital MBI were analyzed.
Studies included distressed undergraduate students and US adults.
AEx rates were compared between meditation-exposed and non-exposed participants.

Keywords:

adverse effects adverse experiences digital interventions meditation well-being

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Combining Behavior and EEG to Study the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Episodic Memory

Combining Behavior and EEG to Study the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Episodic Memory

Published on: May 11, 2020

Main Results:

27.9% and 10.1% of participants reported AExs in studies 1 and 2.
AEx rates did not differ between meditators and non-meditators.
Higher baseline depression, anxiety, and loneliness predicted more AExs.

Conclusions:

AExs in digital MBIs are common but not meditation-induced.
Most participants found MBIs beneficial despite AExs.
Distinguishing AExs from iatrogenic harm is crucial for digital mental health interventions.