Three older people meditate together for better mental health

Study: Loving-kindness meditation for post-traumatic stress

David J Kearney et al.

April 2021

Burn-out prevention / prophylaxis

Meditation, Pranayama, and more

Mental health

The University of Washington School of Medicine conducted a study to test the effects of loving-kindness meditation, also known as metta bhavana, on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To do this, 42 veterans with PTSD underwent 12 weeks of loving-kindness meditation therapy and were assessed at baseline, post-treatment and three months after study completion using the broaden-and-build theory.

The results showed that unpleasant emotions decreased over time and pleasant emotions increased to some extent. Three months after completing the treatment, the subjects showed improvements in dealing with their environment, personal growth, life goals, self-acceptance and decentering.

The open pilot study shows that positive feelings increased and the personal resources of the veterans improved as a result of loving-kindness meditation.

Further research on loving-kindness meditation as a treatment for PTSD is needed.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Post-traumatic stress disorder
Institution: Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
Title: Study: Loving-kindness meditation for post-traumatic stress
Brief description: A study of 42 PTSD veterans showed that loving-kindness meditation reduced negative emotions and promoted personal growth.
Original title: Loving-Kindness Meditation vs Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Veterans: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33861329/