Effects of Buddhist Interventions in Their Original Context: A Meta-analysis

Summary

A meta-analysis of Buddhist-derived interventions found that they improve well-being across multiple outcomes. Compared to control groups, the interventions showed a small but significant effect (d = 0.11). Pre-post comparisons within intervention groups revealed a large effect (d = 0.85). Interventions combining multiple Buddhist components yielded the largest effect versus controls (d = 0.15), while those emphasizing panna (insight into impermanence, change, connectedness, and suffering) showed the largest pre-post gains (d = 1.15). The analysis included studies published up to July 2, 2025, and used random effects models with moderator analyses.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Buddhist-derived interventions have gained increasing interest in Western psychology. These interventions typically embed Buddhist techniques and principles within Western frameworks. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Buddhist techniques embedded within a Buddhist framework. Method A literature search for articles published up to July 2, 2025, was conducted using PsycINFO, EBSCO, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ProQuest databases. Only treatment outcome studies were included. Cumulative effect sizes were calculated using random effects models, with heterogeneity explored through moderator analyses. Risk of bias was assessed using funnel plots and the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results A small and significant effect size for comparisons between intervention and control groups was observed ( d = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.17). A large and significant effect size for intervention pre-post comparisons was observed ( d = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.70 to 1.00). Interventions with a combination of Buddhist components produced the largest effect sizes for intervention vs control group comparisons ( d = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.24). Interventions with panna or insight-related components produced the largest effect sizes for intervention pre-post comparisons ( d = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.50). Conclusions Interventions employing Buddhist principles and techniques improve well-being across multiple outcomes. Interventions emphasizing panna, which involves understanding impermanence, change, connectedness, and suffering, were particularly effective, with additional benefits possible when combined with elements such as the four immeasurables. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.