At a glance
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The Effect of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Anhedonic Depressivity, Interpersonal Relationships, and Emotions.
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Loving-Kindness Meditation and Visualization for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms. Completed, enrolled 240 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The goal of this clinical trial was to examine the effects of Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM) on anhedonic depressivity, interpersonal relationships (other inclusive self-concept, willingness to sacrifice, interaction quality) and emotions (positive affect, negative affect). The second aim was to conduct exploratory analyses investigating potential mediators that help explain changes in anhedonic depressivity over the course of short-term targeted LKM. Participants were randomly assigned to receive one week of \~5-minute daily audio recordings of Loving-Kindness Meditation or a visualization meditation, both of which were focused on a same-gender close friend. Participants completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires measuring psychological, social, and emotional variables; participants also completed daily questionnaires.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Participants received a \~5 minute audio recording of Loving-Kindness Meditation Instructions everday for one week. Recordings were delivered via email. Meditators in both conditions were instructed to find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down, and were then guided through some initial deep breathing. Once relaxed, meditators in the LKM condition were asked to imagine receiving love and wishes of well-being from a close other; they were then asked to direct feelings of love and wishes of wellness to their target close friend. After approximately 5 minutes, meditators were guided back to relaxation.
Participants received a \~5 minute audio recording of visualization Instructions everday for one week. Recordings were delivered via email. Meditators in both conditions were instructed to find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down, and were then guided through some initial deep breathing. Meditators in the visualization condition were asked to visualize specific details of their target close friend's appearance. After approximately 5 minutes, meditators were guided back to relaxation.