“It’s like a charge – either fuses you or burns you out”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of extreme mental states in meditation context
Justina Kaselionyte, A. Gumley
November 26, 2017 DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2017.1422237 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Meditation can lead to extreme mental states, sometimes labeled psychosis or spiritual emergency. This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis with three meditation teachers from different traditions. They described the phenomenology of these states, explained their nature according to their traditions, and discussed helping strategies. Having a spiritual teacher for guidance was emphasized. The study underscores the need for diverse understandings and a non-judgmental attitude, which may help clinicians and meditation teachers collaborate to support affected individuals.
Study at a glance
| Design | qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3 |
| Population | meditation teachers from different philosophical traditions |
| Key finding | Meditation teachers describe extreme mental states as having diverse meanings across traditions and emphasize the importance of a spiritual teacher for guidance and support. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Meditation, an ancient Eastern spiritual practice, is increasingly being practised in the West where its benefits for mental and physical health have been established. Extreme mental states that can be encountered in the context of meditation have also been reported and often have been labelled as psychosis or spiritual emergency. This study aimed for more nuanced understanding of the phenomena. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to explore the meaning-making of three meditation teachers from different philosophical traditions. The teachers described phenomenology of various extreme mental states, explained their nature according to their traditions and discussed ways of helping persons who experience these. Significance was given to having a spiritual teacher to provide guidance and support. The study highlights the importance of acknowledging the diverse understandings of the phenomena and cultivating a non-judgemental attitude towards it, which could help clinicians and meditation teachers work together to support persons experiencing these.