Body Scan, Sitting Meditation, Thought Meditation, or Loving-kindness Meditation: Perceptions of Formal Mindfulness Practices Among Young Adults With and Without Recent Self-injury

Young adults with a recent history of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) report distinct challenges and preferences for different formal mindfulness practices. The body scan and sitting meditation, commonly used in therapy, can be difficult for those with NSSI, particularly due to aversive body awareness. In contrast, thought meditation was well-received by all participants, and loving-kindness meditation was especially positive for those with past-year NSSI. The findings highlight the need to tailor mindfulness practices to individuals' experiences with self-injury.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Individuals with a history of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) often report high self-criticism, emotion dysregulation, and a complex relationship with their body. As such, formal mindfulness practice (i.e., focusing on one’s thoughts, emotions, and body with acceptance) is a common element of prominent approaches to the treatment of NSSI. However, adherence to formal mindfulness practice is often low and individuals with a history of NSSI may experience additional challenges in response to specific practices that are unique to their lived experience. Nevertheless, little research has explored responses to different formal mindfulness practices, and even less so as a function of NSSI history. This study explored perceptions of four distinct formal mindfulness practices (i.e., body scan, sitting meditation, thought meditation, loving-kindness meditation) among young adults with ( n = 12) and without ( n = 12) past-year NSSI. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using content analysis. While the body scan and sitting meditation are two of the most commonly taught formal practices in mindfulness-based therapies, results revealed challenges to their sustained use (e.g., aversive body awareness in those with recent NSSI). Meanwhile, the thought meditation was well-received by all, while experiences of the loving-kindness meditation were particularly positive among those with past-year NSSI. Findings shed light on the unique challenges and preferences of individuals with a recent history of NSSI in relation to different formal mindfulness practices. Clinical implications are discussed. This study was not preregistered.