The study was published in mid-May inClinical Psychological Science.
“you might have positive effects and negative ones at the same time in the same person.
And, a negative effect can be a positive one at different times.”
Getty Images / Verywell Health
“People don’t want to tell you that they were harmed by your treatment.
They’d rather lie,” Britton says.
“And the therapist doesn’t want to hear it.
The researcher doesn’t want to hear it.
Pretty much no one wants to talk about it.”
Three months after the programs ended, researchers interviewed participants, asking about their experiences post-MBP.
Meditation-related adverse effects with negative impacts on daily functioning occurred in 37% of participants.
About 6% experienced lasting bad effects for more than one month.
Take perceptual hypersensitivity, for instance.
Sometimes it might feel amazing because your sense of the world is magnified.
Why Are People Experiencing These Reactions?
However, there are some theories.
Britton says that the 6% who reported long-term negative side effects tended to meditate more.
In addition to duration, context and culture should be considered.
“It seems like it just emerged and it’s happening more, but it’s not.”
It’s also been documented outside of academia.
“I’m not trying to detract from the benefits,” Britton adds.
As her research develops, Britton hopes to spread awareness about possible meditation-related side effects.
Britton founded Cheetah Housea non-profit organization that provides information and resources about meditation-related difficulties to meditators and teachers.
The Cheetah House website showcasesvideosabout adverse effects, as well asstoriesfrom people who have experienced issues.
Mindful.The Healing Power of Mindfulness.
2019;14(5), e0216643.
