Loving‐Kindness Meditation Effects on Well‐Being and Altruism: A Mixed‐Methods Online RCT
Julieta Galante, Marie‐jet Bekkers, Clive Mitchell, John Gallacher
Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being June 23, 2016 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12074 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAn online loving-kindness meditation course and a light physical exercise course both improved well-being, with no significant difference between them. Participants in the meditation course were less anxious than those in the exercise course. They were also more likely to donate money to charity, though this result was not statistically significant. The meditation course was emotionally intense, generating deep reflections and increased feelings of connectedness, but was difficult for some to process. The exercise course led to gentle increases in relaxation and a sense of achievement. Attrition was high at 82%.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 809 |
| Population | Adults recruited online |
| Interventions | Loving-kindness meditation Light physical exercise |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Facilitator Altruism biology Empathy Thematic analysis |
| Citations | 55 |
| Key finding | Both loving-kindness meditation and light physical exercise improved well-being, but meditation reduced anxiety more than exercise. |
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that facilitating empathy could improve individuals' well-being. Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) could be a facilitator, and online delivery a cost-effective format. METHODS: We conducted an internet-based randomised controlled trial recruiting 809 adults to test whether an LKM course improves well-being through evoking pleasant emotions, psychological resources, and altruism compared to a light physical exercise course (LE). Participants in both arms followed video-based instructions, completed post-intervention questionnaires, and used online diaries and forums. To measure altruism £10/$10 were offered to participants with a choice of donating all/half to charity. Thematic analysis was applied to diary/forum entries. RESULTS: Both courses increased well-being without significant differences. LKM participants were less anxious than LE participants (ß = -0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.43, -0.02], p = .03), and more likely to donate £5/$5 (Relative Risk = 3.57, 95%CI [0.82, 15.50], p = .09). Attrition was high (82%). Participants engaged in diary/forum usage. LKM was an emotionally intense experience, generating deep reflections and increased connectedness but difficult for some to process. LE led to gentle increases in relaxation, generating a sense of achievement. CONCLUSIONS: Future research needs to confirm findings and devise ways of delivering online LKM effectively to diverse populations.