Integration of the Buddhist Concept of Non-Self (Anatta) in Counselling and Psychotherapy Addressing Distress, Anxiety, and Depression: A Review
Gomila Gunalankara
Pravacana December 31, 2025 DOI: 10.4038/p.v16i2.66 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety Buddhism Depression |
| Key findings | Argues that the Buddhist non-self (anatta) concept is psychologically vital and can usefully be integrated into psychotherapy for mood, stress, and anxiety-related problems, particularly to reduce ego-centred thoughts and self-criticism and to support emotional regulation and compassion. The thematic analysis of Buddhist texts and scholarly sources yielded five themes, but reports no quantitative outcomes. |
Abstract
The non-self (anatta) concept is a distinctive and psychologically vital teaching in Buddhist philosophy. Scholars and psychotherapists working in mindfulness interventions draw on various Buddhist teachings and practices in clinical settings, and many empirical studies demonstrate their effectiveness. This study aimed to investigate the significance of integrating the non-self concept into therapeutic interventions addressing mood, stressors, and anxiety-related mental health problems. The study was conducted as a descriptive textual analysis and case study review using qualitative methods. Data collected from primary sources of Buddhist literature, secondary sources, and scholarly databases were analysed thematically, generating five major themes: The Self and the Non-self in Buddhist thought, Non-self for reduction of ego-centred thoughts and self-criticism, Emotional regulation and Strengthening of Compassion and Loving kindness, Non-self concept integrating in Psychotherapy, and Case studies from the Buddhist literature. The non-self (anatta) concept is a distinctive and psychologically vital teaching in Buddhist philosophy. Scholars and psychotherapists working in mindfulness interventions draw on various Buddhist teachings and practices in clinical settings, and many empirical studies demonstrate their effectiveness. This study aimed to investigate the significance of integrating the non-self concept into therapeutic interventions addressing mood, stressors, and anxiety-related mental health problems. The study was conducted as a descriptive textual analysis and case study review using qualitative methods. Data collected from primary sources of Buddhist literature, secondary sources, and scholarly databases were analysed thematically, generating five major themes: The Self and the Non-self in Buddhist thought, Non-self for reduction of ego-centred thoughts and self-criticism, Emotional regulation and Strengthening of Compassion and Loving kindness, Non-self concept integrating in Psychotherapy, and Case studies from the Buddhist literature.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on buddhism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... | 2017 | Qualitative study with mixed-methods | |
| A phenomenology of meditation-induced light experiences: traditional buddhist and neurobiological perspectives American Buddhist practitioners | 2014 | Qualitative study | |
| Common Core Thesis and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Mysticism in Chinese Buddhist Monks and Nuns Chinese Pure Land and Chan Buddhist monks and nuns | 2011 | Mixed-methods study | n = 139 |
| Anger regulation in traumatized Cambodian refugees: the perspectives of Buddhist monks. Buddhist Cambodian monks in Massachusetts | 2011 | Qualitative study | n = 6 |
| The Lived Experiences of Experienced Vipassana Mahasi Meditators: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Experienced Vipassana Mahasi meditators | 2018 | Qualitative study |