Loving-Kindness Meditation Effects on Well-Being and Altruism: A Mixed-Methods Online RCT.
Appl Psychol Health Well Being
; 8(3): 322-350, 2016 Nov.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27333950
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Evidence suggests that facilitating empathy could improve individuals' well-being. Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) could be a facilitator, and online delivery a cost-effective format.METHODS:
We conducted an internet-based randomised controlled trial recruiting 809 adults to test whether an LKM course improves well-being through evoking pleasant emotions, psychological resources, and altruism compared to a light physical exercise course (LE). Participants in both arms followed video-based instructions, completed post-intervention questionnaires, and used online diaries and forums. To measure altruism £10/$10 were offered to participants with a choice of donating all/half to charity. Thematic analysis was applied to diary/forum entries.RESULTS:
Both courses increased well-being without significant differences. LKM participants were less anxious than LE participants (ß = -0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.43, -0.02], p = .03), and more likely to donate £5/$5 (Relative Risk = 3.57, 95%CI [0.82, 15.50], p = .09). Attrition was high (82%). Participants engaged in diary/forum usage. LKM was an emotionally intense experience, generating deep reflections and increased connectedness but difficult for some to process. LE led to gentle increases in relaxation, generating a sense of achievement.CONCLUSIONS:
Future research needs to confirm findings and devise ways of delivering online LKM effectively to diverse populations.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Meditación
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Empatía
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Altruismo
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Amor
Tipo de estudio:
Clinical_trials
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Etiology_studies
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Qualitative_research
Límite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Appl Psychol Health Well Being
Año:
2016
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido