Differential reduction of psychological distress by three different types of meditation-based mental training programs: A randomized clinical trial.

A randomized clinical trial compared three meditation-based mental training programs—Presence, Affect, and Perspective—against a wait-list control group to assess their effects on psychological distress. All three programs reduced distress, but the Affect training, which focused on cultivating positive emotions, produced the largest reductions. The Perspective training, aimed at enhancing self-awareness and metacognition, also showed significant benefits, while the Presence training had smaller effects. The findings suggest that different meditation techniques have distinct impacts on mental health, with emotion-focused practices being particularly effective for reducing distress.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Differential reduction of psychological distress by three different types of meditation-based mental training programs: A randomized clinical trial.