Clin Psychol Rev
July 26, 2011
Stefan G. Hofmann, Paul Grossman, Devon E. Hinton
945 citations
Loving-kindness and compassion meditation may serve as effective psychological interventions. These practices, rooted in Buddhist traditions, focus on cultivating positive emotions toward oneself and others. The review suggests that such meditation can enhance positive affect, reduce negative psychological symptoms, and improve social connectedness. The evidence indicates potential benefits for treating depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, though further research is needed to establish clinical efficacy.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
January 1, 2015
Stefan G. Hofmann, Nicola Petrocchi, James Steinberg et al.
70 citations
Loving-kindness meditation (LKM), a practice aimed at cultivating unconditional kindness toward oneself and others, was tested as a brief group intervention for people with dysthymia or depression in two small, uncontrolled studies—one in Boston (10 participants) and one in Frankfurt (8 participants). At both centers, LKM was associated with large reductions in self-reported depression symptoms and negative affect, and large increases in positive affect. Clinician ratings also showed large improvements in depression, rumination, and specific positive emotions, with moderate gains in adaptive emotion regulation. Qualitative reports supported the intervention's potential. These proof-of-concept results warrant further controlled investigation.
Mindfulness
May 2, 2020
Christina Totzeck, Tobias Teismann, Stefan G. Hofmann et al.
62 citations
Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) improved positive mental health and reduced anxiety in the short term among university students in Germany. Over one year, those who completed LKM showed decreased depression, anxiety, and stress, while the control group showed increases in all three. The findings suggest LKM can enhance mental health in this population.
Clinical Psychology in Europe
September 18, 2019
Simona Stefan, Stefan G. Hofmann
24 citations
Loving kindness and compassion meditation, traditional Buddhist practices, have been incorporated into psychotherapy with encouraging outcomes. These practices cultivate metta, a mental state of positive energy and kindness toward oneself and others, countering anger, hostility, and self-loathing common in emotional disorders. A qualitative review of the literature suggests metta meditation is especially useful for treating depression and social anxiety, conditions marked by low positive affect and negative self-views. The practice may enhance therapy by fostering adaptive self-images, social connectedness, and positive emotional experiences, addressing shame and hostility while promoting self-acceptance.