It’s usually seen as a way to help people relax, but a new study suggests that meditation may not be enjoyable for a significant number of people.
The study, by researchers from University College London, found that more than a quarter of people who regularly meditate have had a ‘particularly unpleasant’ experience.
In the study, the researchers surveyed 1,232 people who regularly meditate.
The survey revealed that 25.6% of participants had encountered particularly unpleasant meditation-related experiences, including feelings of fear and distorted emotions.
In particular, these unpleasant experiences affected people who practiced Vipassana and Koan yoga.
However, female participants and those with religious beliefs were less likely to have these negative experiences.
Mr Marco Schlosser, who led the study, said: “These findings point to the importance of widening the public and scientific understanding of meditation beyond that of a health-promoting technique.
"Very little is known about why, when, and how such meditation-related difficulties can occur: more research is now needed to understand the nature of these experiences.
"When are unpleasant experiences important elements of meditative development, and when are they merely negative effects to be avoided?"
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The researchers hope that their findings will spark further studies on the possible negative effects of meditation.
Mr Schlosser added: “It is important at this point not to draw premature conclusions about the potential negative effects of meditation.
"Longitudinal studies will help to learn when, for whom, and under what circumstances these unpleasant experiences arise, and whether they can have long-term effects.
“This future research could inform clinical guidelines, mindfulness manuals, and meditation teacher training."
