Is mindfulness practice "at risk" of increasing spirituality? Systematic review and critical analysis of a claimed effect

This study aims to assess quantitative data regarding the impact of mindfulness meditation on spirituality and religiosity using quantitative validated scales.METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. PubMed was searched for relevant studies using keywords related to mindfulness and spirituality/religiosity scales. Four scales assessing spirituality were identified: FACIT-sp, INSPIRIT, DSES, and DUREL. Qualitative analysis determined if scale items pertained to spirituality or other topics considered by opponents to mindfulness as "at risk" for deviances or sectarian aberrations. Quantitative analysis assessed the effect size of changes in scale scores before and after mindfulness meditation interventions.RESULTS: Eighteen studies were analyzed, with varying scales and program durations including 1272 participants. Qualitative analysis showed that most scales contained items related to spirituality as well as "at risk" elements like religion and mysticism. Quantitative analysis revealed that a few studies reported significant increases in spirituality scores following mindfulness meditation, but the clinical relevance of these changes was questioned. In general, control groups had smaller score changes.INTERPRETATION: While some studies suggest a potential increase in spirituality due to mindfulness meditation, the clinical significance of these findings remains uncertain. Moreover, mindfulness meditation's ties to Buddhism are disputed, and its roots are intertwined with v...
Source: L Encephale - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research