The Hidden Side Effects of Meditation: New Research Reveals Unexpected Risks
While meditation is widely promoted for mental health benefits, new research from psychologist Nicholas Van Dam reveals that nearly 60% of meditators experience unexpected side effects, with about one-third finding them distressing. The University of Melbourne study, published in Clinical Psychological Science, found that 9% of practitioners reported functional impairment from meditation side effects. This comprehensive analysis of nearly 900 U.S. meditators identifies risk factors and emphasizes the need for better informed consent in meditation practices.
Meditation has become a cornerstone of modern mental wellness practices, widely promoted for stress reduction and emotional regulation. However, emerging research reveals that this ancient practice may carry unexpected risks for some individuals. A groundbreaking study led by psychologist Nicholas Van Dam at the University of Melbourne provides the first comprehensive look at meditation's potential side effects across a representative sample of American practitioners.
Understanding Meditation's Dual Nature
While meditation is celebrated for its therapeutic benefits, the scientific community is increasingly recognizing that it can produce both positive and negative experiences. Van Dam's research, published in Clinical Psychological Science, represents a crucial step in understanding meditation's full spectrum of effects. The study addresses a significant gap in mindfulness research, where comprehensive safety evaluations were often overlooked during the initial development of meditation-based interventions.
Research Methodology and Findings
Van Dam's team recruited nearly 900 adults from across the United States, ensuring the sample reflected the broader population of meditators. Unlike previous studies that relied on spontaneous reporting, the researchers developed a detailed 30-item checklist covering potential meditation effects. Participants rated the intensity of each experience, whether it was positive or negative, and whether it interfered with their daily functioning.
The findings revealed that nearly 60% of meditators experienced at least one side effect from their practice. More concerning, approximately 30% reported effects that were challenging or distressing, while 9% experienced functional impairment that affected their daily lives. These statistics highlight the importance of understanding meditation's potential risks alongside its benefits.
Common Side Effects and Risk Factors
The research identified several types of adverse experiences reported by meditators. These included anxiety symptoms, panic attacks, intrusive memories related to past trauma, and sensations of depersonalization or dissociation. The study also pinpointed specific risk factors that increased the likelihood of negative experiences.
Individuals who had experienced mental health symptoms or psychological distress within 30 days before meditating were more likely to report adverse effects. Additionally, those attending intensive residential retreats—often involving extended periods of silent meditation—showed higher rates of functional impairment. These findings suggest that meditation may interact differently with various mental health conditions and practice intensities.
Informed Consent and Safety Considerations
Van Dam emphasizes that the research findings should not discourage meditation practice but rather promote better informed consent. He compares the situation to other therapeutic treatments where patients receive comprehensive information about potential risks and benefits. Currently, many meditation practitioners begin without adequate discussion of possible side effects or discomfort that might arise during practice.
The research suggests that practitioners and clinicians should explain that discomfort can sometimes be part of the meditation process. Feelings of unease or questioning one's sense of self are not necessarily signs of harm but may represent aspects of deep psychological exploration. However, distress that significantly interferes with daily functioning should be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.
Moving Forward with Meditation Safety
Van Dam's research represents a critical step toward establishing evidence-based guidelines for meditation practice. The findings underscore the need for continued research, particularly prospective longitudinal studies that can clarify how mental health and meditation interact over time. This approach would help determine causality and identify which individuals might be most susceptible to negative experiences.
The study concludes that meditation practices are not universally suitable for everyone. If meditation isn't working for an individual, it may not indicate a failure in practice but rather an incompatibility between the person and the technique. This perspective encourages a more personalized approach to meditation instruction and mental health interventions.
