A pilot study of Vipassana meditation with female drug users at a rehabilitation centre, Thailand
Nualnong Wongtongkam, Phrakhru Bhavanaveeranusith
Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities November 28, 2019 DOI: 10.1108/tc-05-2019-0005 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA mixed-methods randomized controlled trial tested whether Vipassana meditation reduces depression and improves empathy and self-awareness among drug-dependent women at a Thai rehabilitation center. The quantitative results showed no significant differences between the 24 intervention subjects and 22 controls on depression, empathy, or mindfulness levels, though a small decline in depression appeared in the intervention group at one-month follow-up. Focus group interviews indicated that participants developed self-awareness, moral values, and a greater understanding of right and wrong. The authors suggest that Vipassana meditation, being culturally appropriate for Thai culture and religion, should be incorporated into rehabilitation treatments.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 46 |
| Population | Drug-dependent women at a rehabilitation centre in Thailand |
| Intervention | Vipassana meditation |
| Duration | One-month follow-up |
| Key finding | No significant differences in depression, empathy, or mindfulness levels between intervention and control groups, but a small decline in depression at one-month follow-up in the intervention group. |
Abstract
Purpose Substance abuse has become a major health issue in Thailand, contributing to high numbers of premature deaths and requiring considerable expenditure on treatment and rehabilitation programs. The purpose of this paper is to explore use of Vipassana meditation to reduce depression and improve empathy and self-awareness in drug dependent women at a rehabilitation centre. Design/methodology/approach Mixed methods were employed. Data were collected in a randomised controlled trial and focus group interviews with 24 intervention subjects and 22 controls. Findings Findings showed no significant differences in depression, empathy or mindfulness levels between intervention and control groups, but intervention subjects had a small decline in depression at one-month follow up. The focus group interviews showed that drug users had developed self-awareness, moral values and greater understanding of right and wrong acts. Originality/value Findings suggest that Vipassana meditation which is cultural appropriate for Thai culture and religion, should be incorporated into treatments in rehabilitation centres to increase successful outcomes.