Mindfulness and Loving-Kindness Meditation: Effects on Connectedness to Humanity and to the Natural World. Issue 1 (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aspy, Denholm J.; Proeve, Michael
• Is Part Of: Psychological reports. Volume 120:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 102
• Page End: 117
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Positive psychology -- mental health -- mental and physical health -- awareness -- well-being -- mindfulness -- kindness; Psychology -- Periodicals; Psychiatry; Psychology; Psychologie -- Périodiques; Psychology; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0033294116685867
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-2941

Abstract

An experiment involving 115 undergraduate students (74.8% females; mean age = 20.5 years, SD = 4.3) was conducted to explore effects of meditation on social connectedness, nature connectedness, and affect. Participants listened to one of three brief guided meditation Mp3 recordings via the internet, which involved mindfulness meditation (MM), loving-kindness meditation (LKM), or progressive muscle relaxation (active control group). Participants in the MM and LKM groups reported greater social and nature connectedness at post-test than those in the control group. There were no significant differences in connectedness between the MM and LKM groups, suggesting they are both effective for enhancing connectedness. There were no significant changes in negative or positive affect at post-test due to the interventions. Recommendations for future research are provided.