Is There a Risk Factor for Adverse Effects?

In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical psychologist and meditation researcher, Willoughby Britton. Willoughby is a pioneer in contemplative research and one of the only people dedicated to understanding the possible negative outcomes from meditation (so called meditation-related adverse experiences). This conversation covers many topics, including:

• how she came to study the negative side of meditation;
• support and resources for those struggling with meditation-related difficulties (Cheetah House);
• scientific research on meditation-related adverse experiences;
• changes in perception and anxiety that can happen with meditation;
• how the same experience can be positive or negative depending on context;
• how the causes of adverse effects may be the same as for the benefits;
• the science of measuring harms in meditation research;
• what we know (and don't know) about these effects—who's at risk, how frequent they are, and how they show up for people;
• whether or not these difficulties are "part of the path" of transformation;
• grounding care in compassion;
• and aligning practices with the outcomes you want.

Full resources and show notes