Many people view meditation as a way to achieve a calm state of well-being, but a recent study led by psychologist Nicholas Van Dam at the University of Melbourne now suggests the effects can vary from person to person.
Nearly 60% of the survey participants in the recent research reported side effects from meditation, with about a third describing them as distressing. Published in Clinical Psychological Science, the findings show that meditation can benefit many participants, but may also increase anxiety, confusion, or feelings of detachment from one’s identity for some.
A Practice Turned Mainstream
Meditation was once mainly practiced in religious or retreat settings. It is now commonly used in workplace initiatives, wellness applications, and therapeutic programs. According to Van Dam, mindfulness practices such as these were quickly adopted into mainstream psychology. This happened without the usual safety evaluations for new treatment approaches.
“This is the kind of research that is done at the very beginning of developing any new treatment intervention program,” he said. “And for various complex reasons, with mindfulness-based programs in particular, that just didn’t happen.”
Previous research suggested meditation often leads to mental calmness and other positive psychological responses. However, some individuals report panic attacks or intrusive memories linked to trauma. Others describe depersonalization or feeling separated from their body or sense of self. The reported occurrence of these negative reactions ranges from about 1% to nearly two-thirds of participants.
Measuring the Mind’s Response
To investigate these effects, Van Dam’s team surveyed meditation practitioners across the United States. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they recruited nearly 900 adults with a range of meditation experience.
The researchers created a 30-item checklist to systematically assess possible side effects. These ranged from mild discomfort to significant dissociation. Participants rated the intensity, evaluated whether it was positive or negative, and noted any impact on daily functioning.
“The devil is in the details,” Van Dam said. Without direct questions, people may not recognize what they’re experiencing as a side effect.
Disruptive Side Effects
Nearly 60% of participants reported experiencing at least one side effect. Among these, increased anxiety or a sense of disembodiment were the most frequently reported. Approximately one-third found these effects challenging or distressing, with about 9% indicating their daily activities were disrupted as a result.
Several factors appeared to increase the likelihood of negative outcomes. Participants who experienced psychological distress in the month prior to meditating were more likely to report adverse effects. Taking part in intensive silent retreats was also linked to a higher risk of negative side effects.
Van Dam stressed that these findings show associations, not direct causation. Long-term studies are needed to determine if meditation itself leads to distress or mainly reveals underlying psychological issues.
Informed Awareness, Not Alarm
The takeaway, the researchers say, isn’t to fear meditation, but to better understand it. “Our conclusions are not that people should be terrified, or people should not try meditation,” Van Dam said. “It’s that we should do a better job of providing informed consent.”
In clinical settings, patients are usually informed about possible side effects before beginning a new treatment. Van Dam believes that mindfulness programs should also brief people on potential risks before they begin.
The Path Forward
The study demonstrates that meditation is not a universal remedy. Depending on individual circumstances, the practice may improve mental well-being for some participants while causing discomforting side effects for others. Recognizing both the benefits and potential risks is important for the responsible use of mindfulness techniques.
Temporary discomfort or a shift in self-perception may be a typical outcome of intensive introspection for many participants. However, these sensations should be properly addressed when they begin to interfere with daily functioning. As meditation becomes more prevalent in healthcare and self-help contexts, Van Dam calls for a more nuanced and informed discussion of its effects.
“These practices are not for everyone,” Van Dam said. “If they’re not working, it’s not necessarily because the person is doing something wrong. It might be because it’s just not a good match.”
Austin Burgess is a writer and researcher with a background in sales, marketing, and data analytics. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, along with a certification in Data Analytics. His work combines analytical training with a focus on emerging science, aerospace, and astronomical research.