Effectiveness of MF

• STRENGTH:

  Scientific evidence to support the benefits

  Evidence:Holzel et al

  • Meditating for 30 minutes a day improves density of grey matter ( neurons in the brain)
  • Done in ares associated with memory,stress + empathy

  Explain: MF can be bring positive changes in the physiology of the brain

  • Can help emotional states such as stress
• STRENGTH:

  Evidence MBSR can have positive effects on immune systems as well as mood

  Evidence: Davidson et al

  • 25 healthy employees completed 8 week MBSR course
  • Increased activity in areas of brain associated with positive emotion
  • This was compared to control group of 16 people
  • MBSR group produced more antibodies in response to flu jab than control group

  Explain: Quantifiable + measurable benefits to both physical + mental health from taking part in MF based courses

  EXT : however, evidence suggests that MF is only effective when done in group setting, evidence of MF alone is weak 
• WEAKNESS/STRENGTH:

  Most effective in combination with psychoanalysis or CBT

  Evidence: MBCT alters process of thinking + the person’s relationship with their thoughts rather than challenging content of thoughts

  • Teasdale et al
  • 8 weeks course of MBCT reduces depression for people who had 3 or more experiences compared to patients with treatment as usual

  Explain: Problematic as MF alone not effective as when combined with other traditional forms of therapy

  • Teasdale’s research suggests MBCT is effective but only for certain people
• WEAKNESS:

  Not suitable for everyone  

  Evidence: Not everybody has the characteristics needed to do meditation

  • Argued that to experience success you already need to be calm + patient person

  Explain: Shows MF only provide mental benefits with particular personality types 

  • Therefore considerations needed into whether MF is suitable for that patient
• Effectiveness-Conclusions

  • MF can be effective at treating both physical conditions as well as psychological disorders e.g. anxiety and recurrent depression. 
  • MF has wider applications beyond the treatment of disorders. E.g. research in schools has also revealed interesting findings in helping with concentration levels
  • However, MF may not benefit everyone equally. Careful consideration is needed into who MF is used with. In particular group versus individual meditation appear to have very different benefits that require further research.