Zen meditation and ABC relaxation theory: An exploration of relaxation states, beliefs, dispositions, and motivations
Journal of Clinical Psychology May 3, 2001 Noori B. Gillani, Jonathan C. Smith 43 citations
Experienced Zen meditators (59 practitioners with at least six years of experience) showed distinct psychological profiles compared to a control group of 24 college students who read magazines. Meditators were less likely to believe in God, more likely to believe in Inner Wisdom, and more likely to exhibit relaxation dispositions such as Mental Quiet, Mental Relaxation, and Timeless/Boundless/Infinite. After an hour of Zazen, meditators reported greater increases in relaxation states including Mental Quiet, Love and Thankfulness, and Prayerfulness, along with reduced Worry. These findings support Smith's ABC Relaxation Theory.