Chapter 10 - Critical questions and future directions in meditation

Abstract

Despite considerable scientific progress in revealing the effects and mechanisms of meditation, there are still many critical research questions needing to be better addressed and explicated to advance our understanding of meditation. In previous chapters we summarize representative empirical findings with regard to the effects of meditation, as well as individual characteristics and factors that may contribute to differential effectiveness of meditation in improving brain and behavioral outcomes. We also highlighted major methodological and conceptual issues in meditation research, which are important for future investigations and clinical applications. In this chapter we expand our discussion to suggest promising future directions for examining meditation effects and benefits, as well as interesting, yet unsolved, research questions concerning individual differences in meditation. Some of the topics include: (1) the importance of instructor effects on meditation outcomes; (2) the influence of different meditation techniques, stages of expertise, and amount of effort used on meditation outcomes; (3) the feasibility of combining meditation with other intervention approaches to enhance targeted outcomes; (4) the development and potential of meditation in the digital age; and (5) differences among meditation, psychedelic, and other states. The goal is to encourage interdisciplinary discussion and engage people from all interested communities on utilizing technological advances to promote the effects of meditation. We also discuss the potential side effects or adverse effects if one does not practice meditation correctly. Finally, we suggest that research on meditation still holds immense promise and potential for revealing fascinating facts and knowledge about the precise mechanisms of contemplative practices underlying improvement in health and well-being.