Can Meditation Help the Environment? Examining Cross-Sectional Associations Between Meditation Goals and Outcomes in Experienced and Novice Meditators

Abstract Objectives This study examined (1) differences in meditation goals between novice and experienced meditators, (2) associations between meditation practice and outcomes in well-being and pro-environmental behavior (PEB), and (3) the predictive value of meditation goals for well-being and PEB. We assumed that different goals—self-regulation (e.g., stress management), self-exploration (e.g., self-reflection), and self-liberation (e.g., compassion)—are linked to distinct outcomes and may clarify prior inconsistent findings.

Method: In a survey of 233 participants (102 novice and 131 experienced meditators), individuals reported their meditation goals, well-being, and pro-environmental behaviors.

Results: While both novice and experienced meditators equally pursued self-regulation, experienced meditators reported significantly higher levels of self-exploration and self-liberation. Meditation practice was associated with higher mindfulness, more intention-based PEB, and lower CO₂ emissions from meat consumption, although not with general well-being or other ecological impact behaviors. Meditation goals showed unique associations with key outcomes beyond meditation practice: Self-regulation was negatively associated with mindfulness and well-being and positively associated with negative emotions. Self-liberation predicted more intention-based PEB and lower meat-related emissions, whereas self-exploration was associated with higher mindfulness, lower intention-based PEB, and higher emissions from meat consumption.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that meditation goals differed depending on meditation experience and showed distinct associations with psychological well-being and PEB. These results highlight the relevance of motivational orientations in meditation for understanding differences in well-being and PEB. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.