Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation
Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017 Nicholas T. Van Dam, Marieke K. Van Vugt, David R. Vago et al. 1,500 citations
Mindfulness meditation has become widely used in therapy, corporate wellness, education, and the military, but the research backing it has faced criticism for poor methodology and misinformation. This article reviews the current state of mindfulness research, discussing difficulties in defining mindfulness, the proper scope of studies, and key methodological issues. The authors summarize what is known and unknown, offering a prescriptive agenda for contemplative science that focuses on assessment, training, possible adverse effects, and brain imaging. The goal is to inform scientists, media, and the public, minimize harm, curb poor research practices, and stop the spread of misinformation about mindfulness's benefits, costs, and future.