New Books in Psychology When Meditation Causes Harm, with Willoughby Britton & Jared Lindahl
Aug 4, 2025
Join Willoughby Britton, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Lab, and Jared Lindahl, a Visiting Scholar at Brown University, as they explore the often-overlooked adverse effects of meditation. They discuss their groundbreaking research on the Varieties of Contemplative Experience, shedding light on psychological and emotional risks. The conversation raises critical questions about responsibility, personal interpretation of experiences, and the need for better support in meditation communities. Discover meditation's complexities beyond the expected tranquility.
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Willoughby's Origin Story
- Willoughby Britton discovered early on that meditation sometimes worsened sleep instead of improving it.
- She encountered yogis returning from retreats psychotic, sparking her interest in meditation-related harms.
Scope of Meditation Challenges
- Meditation-related challenges range from mild emotional changes to full psychosis and suicidality.
- Defining what constitutes an adverse effect depends heavily on context, severity, and interpretation.
Person-Centered Approach
- Honor the experiencer's right to interpret their own meditation challenges.
- Prioritize individual values and needs over traditional interpretations or party lines.
