Hidden risks revealed by meditation in research

A new survey found surprising risks associated with mental and meditation practices, revealing the potentially far-reaching consequences that certain technical and personal experiences can trigger unexpected psychological phenomena with potentially far-reaching consequences.

Researchers from multinational corporations mapped the complex landscape of what they call “emerging phenomenology” (EP)—sudden, abnormal psychological or physical experiences that can greatly change an individual’s perception of reality. Their study, published in clinical psychology science, examines for the first time the factors that may trigger these transformational experiences.

The study conducted a large-scale survey of 3133 participants from different populations, using complex statistical analyses to identify specific risk factors. Surprisingly, the study found that some common practices could greatly increase the likelihood of experiencing these abnormal mental states.

“We found that these experiences related to past psychedelic use, reality distortion practices, and the total hours spent in spiritual or meditation practices after retreat,” the researchers noted in the study abstract.

Experience itself ranges from subtle to extraordinary. Some participants reported seeing the world as a “dream or cartoon”, experiencing “escape of running”, or having a profound “physical experience.” Although many of these experiences may be positive, about 13% of participants reported “moderately intense or greater pain” after such events.

Most of the striking things are specific practices related to increased risk. Trying sacred, magical or mysterious practices increases the likelihood of experiencing these phenomena by 159%. Past psychedelic use increased risk by 82%, while practices involving “contemplation mysteries” increased by 118%.

Interestingly, not all spiritual practices have the same risks. For example, prayer is a protective factor that actually reduces the likelihood of experiencing these abnormal mental states.

Personal characteristics also play an important role. People who have been diagnosed with mental illness in the past are 37% more likely to experience these phenomena. Traumatic or mentally powerful childbirth experience increases the risk by 71%.

The researchers hope their findings will contribute to future diagnostic guidelines and provide important insights to clinicians, spiritual teachers and practitioners. “These results can help predict when individuals may experience these phenomena, guide practitioners to seek to acquire or avoid these experiences, and enable clinicians to better distinguish between psychiatric illness and events, which are more often associated with sedative or spiritual practice,” they explain.

Although the study opens up fascinating questions about consciousness and spiritual experience, the researchers carefully emphasize the need for further investigation. They call for longitudinal research to better understand the causal relationship between spiritual practice, abnormal psychological experiences and their long-term psychological effects.

At present, the message is clear: not all meditation and spiritual practices are equal, and practitioners should be careful and wise to connect with them.

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