Personal and relational experiences on meditation journeys following developmental trauma: An IPA study of adults who experienced an inconsistent evolved developmental niche.
Psychol Psychother October 21, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/papt.70018 (opens in new tab) via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis study explores how adults who experienced developmental trauma—specifically an inconsistent evolved developmental niche—describe their personal and relational experiences during meditation journeys. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research examines the subjective, lived experiences of these individuals as they engage in meditation. The findings suggest that meditation can evoke both challenges and transformative insights, particularly around issues of safety, trust, and connection, shaped by early relational disruptions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults who experienced developmental trauma with an inconsistent evolved developmental niche |
| Intervention | Meditation |
| Key finding | Meditation journeys for adults with developmental trauma involve complex personal and relational experiences, including challenges and transformative insights related to safety and connection. |
Abstract
Personal and relational experiences on meditation journeys following developmental trauma: An IPA study of adults who experienced an inconsistent evolved developmental niche.