Can Meditation Help the Environment? Examining Cross-Sectional Associations Between Meditation Goals and Outcomes in Experienced and Novice Meditators
Mindfulness December 1, 2025 Zarah Rowland, Tanja Schmidt, Tobias Dolle et al.
Meditation goals differ between novice and experienced meditators, and these goals are linked to distinct outcomes in well-being and pro-environmental behavior. In a survey of 233 participants, experienced meditators reported higher levels of self-exploration and self-liberation goals than novices, while both groups equally pursued self-regulation. More meditation practice was associated with higher mindfulness, more intention-based pro-environmental behavior, and lower CO₂ emissions from meat consumption, but not with general well-being or other ecological behaviors. Self-regulation goals were negatively linked to mindfulness and well-being and positively linked to negative emotions. Self-liberation predicted more intention-based pro-environmental behavior and lower meat-related emissions, whereas self-exploration was associated with higher mindfulness but lower intention-based pro-environmental behavior and higher meat emissions.