Toward a Framework for Reporting and Differentiating Key Features of Meditation- and Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Abstract

Objectives Meditation practices and the therapeutic interventions that involve them are numerous, heterogeneous, and multidimensional. Despite this, many researchers have noted a tendency for studies of meditation-and mindfulness-based interventions to inadequately describe the interventions themselves, limiting valid comparisons, generalizations, and identification of mediators and moderators of therapeutic change. To address this, we identified and organized features of meditation-based interventions reported in study publications as an initial step toward systematically developing a reporting guideline. Methods A content analysis of 118 meditation-based intervention studies, informed by existing theoretical proposals of key features of meditation practices and interventions. Results Significant variability and inconsistency were found in the reporting of structural features of meditation-based programs as well as descriptions of the practices and activities within them. Based on features' prevalence, co-occurrences, and defining themes, a preliminary Meditation-based Intervention Design (MInD) framework and reporting checklist were developed. Conclusions Findings can inform further development of a reporting guideline and aid in identifying variables of meditation practices and their contexts that are responsible for or influence their effects. This can enhance the quality of research in the field and contribute to improving the effectiveness of meditation-and mindfulness-based interventions.Keywords Meditation . Mindfulness . Interventions . Research reporting guidelines . Content analysis Meditation is a generic term used to describe a wide variety of spiritual, healing, and contemplative practices employed for over 5000 years (Nash et al. 2013;Ospina et al. 2007). There is no consensus definition, although meditation is commonly described as some form of mental training (Eifring 2016;Nash et al. 2013;Ospina et al. 2007). In scientific literature, meditation is generally described as a practice, exercise, or training of awareness or self-, emotion, or attention regulation (Eifring 2016). Meditation may also refer to the states of consciousness or experience that arise during these practices (Nash et al. 2013).Meditation practices are found in many religious traditions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islamic Sufism, and Daoism, but are particularly emphasized in Buddhism and Hinduism (Eifring 2016;Lutz et al. 2007). Types of Buddhist meditations include mindfulness of breathing, foundations of mindfulness, loving-kindness, compassion, contemplation of mortality, meditation on foulness, the six recollections, tantric techniques, and mantra recitation, among others. There are also several meditations specific to Tibetan Buddhist teachings (e.g., Dzogchen, Mahamudra), Zen Buddhism (e.g., Zazen, Shikantaza, Koan), and other Buddhist schools (Dahl et al. 2015;Lutz et al. 2007). Meditation practices from Hinduism include pratyahara (i.e., sense withdrawal), pranayama (i.e., breath regulation), dharana (i.e., con...

Effects of Kindness- and Compassion-Based Meditation on Wellbeing, Prosociality, and Cognitive Functioning in Children and Adolescents: a Systematic Review

“…We found a need for improved reporting of: details of the randomisation process; blinding of participants, intervention teachers, and outcome assessors; details of who developed, delivered, and evaluated the intervention, including the authorship status and experience of the intervention teacher; the exact dose of KCBM within the intervention, including the length and frequency of meditations; attrition rates and the reasons for drop-out; and adherence to homework. Future research would benefit from use of the meditation-based intervention design reporting checklist by Pilla et al (2020).…”

The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation Programs on Performance-Related Outcomes: Implications for the U.S. Army

“…In our brief literature search of existing mindfulness program implementation frameworks, several articles offered implementation frameworks, theories, or commentary relevant to our search. These articles described the theoretical underpinnings or objectives of mindfulness programs; the structural or design characteristics (e.g., length, delivery format, home practice requirements, trainer qualifications); strategies for adapting standardized programs; and the mindfulness techniques, activities, and practices emphasized in each program (e.g., body scan, sitting meditation, yoga) (Chiesa and Malinowski, 2011;Crane et al, 2017;Emerson et al, 2020;Moore et al, 2015;Michie, van Stralen, and West, 2011;Pilla et al, 2020). Several articles also discussed factors to consider in evaluating mindfulness programs (e.g., study design, outcome measures, time points of evaluation) (Chiesa and Malinowski, 2011;Crane and Hecht, 2018;Pilla et al, 2020).…”

“…Using this literature, we developed a preliminary framework that summarized the program characteristics important to consider when implementing mindfulness programs (Table 6.1). The first category is program goal, which was emphasized in the Meditation-Based Intervention Design checklist as an important characteristic to narrow in on the program's aim or purpose (e.g., to decrease stress) (Pilla et al, 2020). Understanding the program's goal allows facilitators to identify a target behavior to change, tailor program content, measure changes in outcomes, and choose a program that has been shown to improve that outcome.…”

“…Understanding the program's goal allows facilitators to identify a target behavior to change, tailor program content, measure changes in outcomes, and choose a program that has been shown to improve that outcome. The second characteristic of our framework is target audience or population (Pilla et al, 2020). Tailoring the program to a particular audience may be particularly helpful in increasing trainee acceptability and buy-in (Brintz et al, 2020;Crane et al, 2017).…”

“…Finally, an essential characteristic of mindfulness programs is to understand the program structure and design. The Meditation-Based Intervention Design checklist includes such program details as the program's time frame, including the total length or duration and session frequency (e.g., 24 program hours across eight weeks); the modality in which the pro- gram is administered (e.g., in-person groups, individualized, or mixed format); and the program's philosophy and how these perspectives are highlighted in each program (e.g., cognitive restructuring) (Pilla et al, 2020). We considered including program trainer qualifications, but we were not able to thoroughly document the available trainings for included mindfulness programs; thus, we excluded this characteristic from our framework.…”