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 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| 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 Kindness Randomized controlled trial Gratitude Clinical psychology Applied psychology Qualitative research |
| Citations | 55 |
| Key findings | 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.