Enhancing mental well-being: a mixed method study on the immediate effect of guided group meditation on depression, stress, anxiety and anger

Main Goal and Fundamental Concept:

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of guided group meditation sessions on psychological parameters—specifically depression, stress, anxiety, and anger. The core hypothesis posits that participating in such meditation sessions can lead to significant reductions in these negative emotional states, thereby enhancing overall mental well-being.

Technical Approach:

This research employed a mixed-methods design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to assess the impact of guided group meditation. A total of 212 participants engaged in either virtual or in-person meditation sessions. Quantitative data were collected using standardized psychological scales administered before and after the meditation sessions. Additionally, qualitative data were gathered through interviews to capture participants' subjective experiences and perceptions related to the meditation practice.

Distinctive Features:

This study stands out due to its comprehensive mixed-methods approach, combining objective measurements with personal narratives to provide a holistic understanding of the meditation's effects. Notably, it assessed both virtual and in-person formats of guided group meditation, highlighting the adaptability and accessibility of such interventions. Furthermore, the inclusion of anger as a measured parameter adds depth to the exploration of emotional well-being.

Experimental Setup and Results:

Participants attended guided group meditation sessions, either virtually or in person. Pre- and post-session assessments were conducted using standardized psychological scales to measure levels of depression, stress, anxiety, and anger. The results indicated statistically significant reductions across all measured parameters following the meditation sessions. Importantly, both virtual and in-person participants experienced comparable benefits. Qualitative interviews revealed themes of enhanced emotional regulation, increased self-awareness, and a sense of spiritual connection among participants.

Advantages and Limitations:

Advantages:

• Holistic Assessment: The mixed-methods design provided both quantitative data and qualitative insights, offering a comprehensive evaluation of the meditation's impact.
• Accessibility: Demonstrated the effectiveness of both virtual and in-person meditation sessions, suggesting broad applicability.
• Immediate Impact: Focused on the immediate effects of a single meditation session, highlighting the potential for rapid benefits.

Limitations:

• Short-Term Focus: The study assessed only the immediate effects, lacking information on long-term outcomes.
• Lack of Control Group: Without a control group, attributing observed changes solely to the meditation intervention is challenging.
• Self-Selection Bias: Participants' voluntary involvement may introduce bias, as they might be more inclined toward meditation practices.

Conclusion:

The study provides evidence that guided group meditation can lead to immediate reductions in depression, stress, anxiety, and anger, enhancing overall mental well-being. The mixed-methods approach enriched the findings by combining statistical analysis with personal experiences. While the results are promising, future research incorporating control groups and long-term follow-ups is necessary to substantiate and extend these findings.