Meditation techniques v. relaxation therapies when treating anxiety: a meta-analytic review
Jesus Montero-Marin, Javier García-campayo, Maria C Perez-Yus, Edurne Zabaleta-del-Olmo, Pim Cuijpers
Psychological Medicine July 19, 2019 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719001600 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review with meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 862 |
| Population | Participants suffering from anxiety disorders or high trait anxiety |
| Duration | 12-month follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | Meditation is slightly more effective than relaxation therapy for reducing anxiety, with a small effect size (g = −0.23) and low heterogeneity. |
Abstract
Abstract To what extent meditation techniques (which incorporate practices to regulate attention, construct individual values, or deconstruct self-related assumptions), are more or less effective than relaxation therapy in the treatment of anxiety, is not clear. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of meditation compared to relaxation in reducing anxiety. A systematic review from PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo and the Cochrane Central was conducted. A meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (n = 862 participants suffering from anxiety disorders or high trait anxiety) was performed. Effect sizes (ESs) were determined by Hedges’ g. Heterogeneity, risk of publication bias, quality of studies/interventions, and researcher allegiance, were evaluated. Meditation techniques incorporated attentional elements, and five of them also added constructive practices. No studies were found using deconstructive exercises. The overall ES was g = −0.23 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.40 to −0.07], favouring meditation (number needed to treat = 7.74). Heterogeneity was low (I2 = 2; 95% CI 0 to 56). There was no evidence of publication bias, but few studies and interventions were of high quality, and allegiance might be moderating results. Meditation seems to be a bit more effective than relaxation in the treatment of anxiety, and it might also remain more effective at 12-month follow-up. However, more research using the full spectrum of meditation practices to treat different anxiety disorders, including independent studies to avoid researcher allegiance, is needed if we are to have a precise idea of the potential of these techniques compared to relaxation therapy.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
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- A systematic review and activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of fMRI studies on arousing or wake-promoting effects in Buddhist meditation Frontiers in Psychology October 27, 2023
- Effectiveness of four deconstructive meditative practices on well-being and self-deconstruction: study protocol for an exploratory randomized controlled trial. Trials February 20, 2023
- Mindfulness in Health Education: From Physical to Virtual Presence during the Pandemic, an Anthropological Study in Spain Sustainability February 23, 2022
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Cites 24
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- Clinical Trials of Meditation Practices in Health Care: Characteristics and Quality The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine December 1, 2008
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