RETRACTED ARTICLE: A Review on Meditation: History, Transcendental Dimensions and Application in Psychology and Psychotherapy
E. Christopoulou, V. Pavlopoulos
Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy February 6, 2025 Retracted DOI: 10.1007/s10879-025-09663-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 2 |
| Post-publication review | 1 comment on PubPeer (opens in new tab) · last active November 2025 |
| Key points | Argues that meditation has prehistoric roots and historical continuity across Indian philosophy and various global systems, and that its secular use in psychology and psychotherapy opens a holistic perspective. |
Abstract
Meditation is a widely used and long-researched psychological tool worldwide. Despite numerous descriptions, the necessary and sufficient criteria for defining and understanding it have not been adequately established. Instead, we are witnessing an alternative use of meditation and mindfulness, along with ambiguity regarding its history and origins. While meditation is often linked to Buddhist origin, it actually has prehistoric roots and historical continuity. It originates in Indian philosophy, traverses various philosophical and religious systems worldwide, and has acquired a completely secular dimension, particularly in psychology and psychotherapy. This intersection of scientificity and transcedence opens a holistic perspective. The main purpose of this article is to critically reflect on the study and application of meditation in psychology and psychotherapy.