Using meditation in a control vs. acceptance context: A preliminary evaluation of relations with anxiety, depression, and indices of well-being.
Journal of Clinical Psychology January 15, 2022 Eric D. Tifft, Shannon B. Underwood, Max Z. Roberts et al.
Many people meditate to manage or control unpleasant thoughts and emotions, but this approach may backfire. In a survey of 98 undergraduate meditators, 58.2% reported using meditation to control or avoid difficult experiences. Those with control-based intentions reported higher worry, anxiety, depression, and negative affect, and lower mindfulness, compared with those who meditated with an accepting or open attitude. The more participants viewed anxiety or stress as a problem, the more likely they were to use meditation for control. The findings suggest that the intention behind meditation—control versus acceptance—is linked to psychological distress.