Meditation, Spirituality and Different Belief Systems - Research Paper Example

The concept of meditation is one that has been attributed to spirituality and the practice of different belief systems. However, it is now being found that meditation also links to other concepts within society and the health and well – being of individuals. This study will examine how meditation links to psychological and physical attributes and what the relationships are to meditation practices. There will be an examination of participants that meditate and others who don’t with specific observations of what the difference is with psychological changes in depression and alterations in heart rate. The meditative effects will then create an understanding and development of whether meditation can assist one with their health and mental well – being or if it is only used for belief systems in specific societies. Introduction The concepts that are associated with meditation continue to form the different ideologies of how one can use this to improve their livelihood. A concept that is commonly associated with meditation is based on changes in one’s mood and the heart rate which they have. Researchers have found (Astin, 1997) that there is an alteration in one’s psychological presence with the continuous use of meditation. This is known to affect concepts such as stress reduction and energetic levels through the use of meditation and the associations which this has to the body (Astin, 1997). The different concepts which apply to psychological and physical changes have been extensively researched, specifically with noting both short term and long term effects that have been developed over those who meditate or don’t meditate. While the ideology originally comes from spiritual practices, specifically from the ideas of contemplation from India and China, there are now new developments that show the practice relates to psychological and physical benefits that continue to help an individual with developed health. Scientific and medical research all lead to the same indications that meditation assists with the physical and mental state which one is in (Taylor, 2004). While there are generalized benefits that have been noted with meditation, there are also questions about what significant points this develops with meditation that is used for specific purposes. The concept of linking the physical and psychological benefits to even more outcomes is one that is now being developed in terms of understanding the ideas of meditation and how this can be used extensively for one who wants to benefit from different changes in mood, behavior, psychological changes and physical benefits. The question which this research paper will ask is based on the benefits of meditation that build upon the physical and psychological growth and balance of an individual. Specifically, there will be an affiliation with how this can be used with physical benefits that slow down the heart rate to help with stress reduction. The question will be furthered in understanding whether meditation assists with therapeutic effects based on a lowering of depressed moods with the use of continuous meditation. These observations will then help to expand the benefits of meditation and how they directly affect the state of mind and physical well – being of an individual. Methods The methodology which will be used will begin with observations of individuals who meditate and those who don’t meditate. The data collected with both groups will be divided into 40 individuals who regularly meditate and 40 individuals who do not meditate. All participants will be chosen at random value. The information will begin with examining the age and educational level of the individual that meditates or that does not meditate. This will be combined with a pre – test and post – test occurring with BDI, BAI and HR. Each of these will be used and will be inclusive of data that shows if meditation levels change stress levels, heart rate and levels of depression. The information will be looked into individually and will then be linked to dependent variables with each of the outcomes. This will be performed through the SPSS test to determine whether there is a significant difference in how individuals change through meditation or without meditation. The use of SPSS that is a part of the analysis works specifically with the ability to link to the psychological and physical analysis which is required by each of the participants. Psychological research requires different alternatives to looking at data and reaching conclusions and assumptions that effectively work with the needed information. SPSS is known for offering flexibility with the psychological and physical tests while providing more determinants that are associated with the main factors used. This is combined with the ability to record and split independent and dependent variables, specifically which helps to determine any links and considerations that are a part of the analysis and test. By doing this, there is the ability to analyze and have the correct guides for psychological and physical relationships collected with the data (Brace, Kemp, Snelgar, 2000). For this reason, the SPSS data will be used to create the correct determinations of the use of meditation and how this links to the responses in terms of psychological and physical benefits. Results The different components which were used with meditation led to different results between those who meditated and did not meditate. These were significant differences between both groups and were formulated from various that were linked to the measurements that were taken. The first measurement which was determined was the age group of those who meditated. The youngest age evaluated of those who meditated was 25 and the oldest was 40 with the median age at 33. The education levels of those who meditated began with individuals who had completed one year of college to those who had completed a Master’s degree with the median range of completion of a Bachelors, or 16 years of school. The group which included individuals that did not meditate had the same age range of 25 to 40 years old with the median age at 32.5, allowing both groups to have a similar amount of experience. The average range of education with the group which did not meditate ranged from 12 years of school to a Master’s degree with the average also at the completion of a Bachelors, or 16 years of school. The first analysis which was taken with those who meditated and did not meditate included the BDI pre and post tests for meditation. For those who meditated, the pre BDI ranged from 8 to 21 with an average of 15 that was used. The pre BDI for those who were not meditating ranged from 2 to 25 with the average at 15. The post BDI for those who meditated began at 2 and increased to 15 with the average decrease in BDI by 2%. The post BDI for those who did not meditate ranged from 4 to 27 and did not decrease. There was a shift with some BDI that increased as well as the average remaining the same or only decreasing by 1%. This particular set of results is one which showed a significant difference between those who meditated and those who did not. The SPSS of this for those who meditated was .621 and for those who did not meditate was .214, showing a significant difference between the two groups. The second analysis was with the pre and post BAI test. Those who meditated began at numbers ranging from 5 to 18 with the average at 9. Those who did not meditate had averages from 4 to 19 and held an average of 12. The BAI post test with those who meditated slightly decreased in averages from 2 to 19 with the average decrease at 2%. Those who did not meditate had the BAI post test ranging from 4 to 18. The average change was varied with some that slightly decreased by 1%, others that slightly increased by 2% and others who remained at the same average. Similar to the BDI test, this performed similar results with those that were participating in the psychological changes between meditation and non meditation. The SPSS for this was .811 for those who meditated and .136 for those who did not meditate, showing a significant difference. The third analysis was based on the heart rate changes with the test. The range in heart rate was from 61 to 83 with the average at 72. The change after meditation slightly decreased with almost all participants to an average of 3%. Some did not have a significant decrease. Those who did not meditate began with a heart rate ranging from 78 to 85 with a slight decrease in almost all participants by 1%. However, some participants had a slight increase or remained the same with the results, leading to a range of probabilities with the change in heart rate from the post test. The SPSS was at .532 for those who meditated and .227 for those who did not meditate, showing a significant difference. Discussion The psychological and physical tests both show significant differences in the concepts of meditation and the way in which this relates to the physical and psychological associations. In all three of the studies, there was a direct difference in how one meditated and what the associations were with heart rate and psychological behaviors. Those who participated in meditation associated a decrease in heart rate and depression rates in all three tests during the post test. This shows that the meditation had a direct effect on both the psychological and physical behaviors. The individuals that did not participate in meditation did not have as direct of results. While there were some that had a decrease in the psychological associations and heart rates, there were also some that had the same percentage or a slight increase after the results. This could have been based on a variety of factors linked directly or indirectly to the lifestyle of the individual and how this was associated with the physical and psychological associations. The results which were a part of this study are directly linked to other studies which show the same difference in the decrease of psychological and physical tensions as a result from meditation. In another study (Wachholtz, Pargment, 2005), there is a direct link to different formats of health and the way in which this relates to the meditation which one has developed. When assessing the intervention of meditation for physical and psychological needs over a two week period, it was noted that there were significant differences in the various needs of clients. This was inclusive of a reduction of pain and anxiety and an increase of mood and overall health that one was looking into. These particular changes also led to those who practiced meditation to have a stronger tolerance for pain and to have a deeper understanding of what was occurring in the body through the pain and the treatment which was occurring. The study indicated that there was not the need to have a specific type of meditation but only needed to last for an average of 20 minutes a day and include techniques for breathing and relaxation (Wachholtz, Pargment, 2005). This particular research relates directly to the outcomes which were noted in the current study. The changes which were noted with psychological and physical behaviors were not associated with a form of meditation but generalized the different concepts which were associated with this. This was combined with the changes which were immediately noted with heart rate and the components of pain and anxiety which began to disperse. Even though there were some results from those who did not meditate, it was not as stable as those who were meditating. Every one of the participants who were a part of meditation noticed a lower amount of depression, anxiety and heart rate after meditating. This direct result is one which becomes significant and which follows other studies with the importance of meditation and how the practice of this over a given period of time can help with different psychological and physical needs. A concept which is now being looked into with meditation is based on the understanding of neurotransmitter and neurochemical concepts which are related to meditation. It is noted that one is able to create a neurotransmitter relation which affects the biological mechanisms in the brain. This is able to change the brain images, meditation effects and the concepts which are related to the brain and the body. The neurochemical applications are inclusive of hormones and neurological ideologies which relate directly to the brain and development which occurs. This creates a change in the brain images while developing different mechanisms that are a part of the mechanics of the brain. The substances and the different links that are neurologically formed are then able to build different pathways to help with both physical and psychological needs while connecting with changes in the brain and body through meditation techniques used (Newberg, Iversen, 2003). The concept of neurotransmitter and neurochemcial changes from meditation may be directly linked to the current study and the noted differences in heart rate and psychological differences. This shows a direct link to the physical changes which one experiences with meditation as well as the general alterations that have been found with the neurological functions which have occurred. This creates a deeper understanding of the importance of health and the way in which meditation is able to alter how one thinks and feels in relation to the meditation which is being experienced. Rather than looking at the differences in spirituality, such as meditation used to be based around, there is strong evidence of the changes which occur neurologically, physically and mentally when undergoing the meditation techniques that one is a part of. This builds a different approach to understanding the importance of meditation. The concepts that are linked to meditation and neurological factors are furthered with other activities relating to meditation. There are specific targets which have been created with those who continuously are active with meditation and other activities. A recent study (Nabkarson et al, 2006), has found that neuroendocrine stress hormones go to a lower level of functioning when one regularly participates in physical activities, such as meditation. This study examined women who suffered from depressive syndromes. It was found that women who took part in meditation or other forms of physical activity had a direct link to the stress and depression moving to lower levels as they continued to practice the activities. The changes with the hormones were related directly to beta-endorphin, corticotrophin releasing hormones and cortisol in the plasma. Each of these balanced to different levels while stimulating women with the needed balance that decreased the levels of depression which they faced (Nabkarson et al, 2006). The research that has led to this particular conclusion has furthered with other examinations that are used for intervention. Specific formats of meditation have been used, such as Zen meditation or imaging, to create a different effect for those that was continuously practicing with meditation. Another study, (Ivanovski, Malhi, 2007), tested individuals that were undergoing treatment for psychiatric disorders. The study looked at individuals that were facing depression, anxiety, psychosis, borderline personality disorder and self harm behaviors. The study noted that the meditation was not consistent with the different patients, specifically because of the types of behaviors which they were being treated for. In some applications, there was a direct correlation with improvements, such as with anxiety or depression. However, if an individual was undergoing heavier treatments, then the specific formats for meditation were not as effective and did not provide the correct results for those who were taking part in the meditation. This opens further questions with how useful meditation is and how it is linked to the psychological and physical effects, as well as what the limitations are with the meditation which is used (Ivanovski, Malhi, 2007). The studies which have been used in terms of psychological disorders have further been examined in terms of specific disorders. Another current study (Thorsten et al, 2007), examined meditation based treatments for those who were relapsing for depression as well as suicide. A specific type of meditation was used, specifically recognized as mindfulness based cognitive therapy. The determinants in the study were examined according to biological factors, lifestyle, character and the way in which the individuals were linking to the psychological disorder. The meditation and cognitive therapy was examined over a course of 8 weeks with the monitoring being created through an EEG, or electroencephalogram. It was noted that there were levels of deterioration in the amount of activity in the left – frontal area of the brain which leads to a more positive base in lifestyle. This was based on those who were maintaining a specific lifestyle while undergoing treatment. Those who only had the meditation and did not maintain a lifestyle did not note any decreases in the same area with the emotional related brain activity. This shows that there is a neurological link to not only meditation but also to the overall lifestyle attributes. The indications show that it takes more than meditation for specific psychological disorders while questioning both the type of meditation used and how this needs to factor into the larger problems which one is facing (Thorsten et al, 2007). While this particular study shows little to no changes with those who used meditation as a treatment, are other references which indicate the opposite ideology, including this study. The question then becomes one that is based on the type of psychological condition that one has to be in. This also relates to what one needs to do in order to change lifestyle and other components which may factor into the psychological difficulties one is facing. If lifestyle change is more susceptible to positive attitudes, then the question arises of how meditation can be used in relation to this. The meditation is one which is based on the positive effects that one uses in terms of lifestyle and to heal depression as well as what other factors need to be maintained to continue with this. Mindfulness meditation is one that has further been examined with the psychological and physical effects with other applications and needs to those who are not only being treated but also are searching for different characteristics and concepts related to personality. According to a recent study (Jain et al, 2007), there were differences in mindfulness meditation in terms of state of mind, rumination and distraction. It was found that meditation as well as relaxation techniques both have alterations in how one thinks and their general attitude about life. When examining individuals over a given time frame, there was a noticed difference in mood, attitude, levels of distress and the way in which the mind continued to function. This was followed by the ability to significantly decrease the levels of distress that one was facing. It was noted in this particular study that even if one felt physically and psychologically healthy, that the meditation would continue to assist with heightened levels of mood elevation and changes in how one interacted with the environment and reactions to them. This created a deeper understanding of the behaviors and moods and how these are also affected by the meditation created (Jain et al, 2007). The concept of altering mood and behavior is one which also links to this study, specifically with the levels of depression created. While it is noted that the depression levels are considered a psychological and mental disorder, it also has specific effects on mood and the behaviors which one shows. When comparing the mindfulness meditation study to the current study, there is a direct link of how these two are associated while noting how the use of meditation can begin to alter the way in which one is functioning. This particular aspect is one that becomes important in defining not only the physical and psychological benefits. The more in – depth results with behavior, character and mood are also affected in a positive manner with meditation. This is able to build different developments that assist an individual with their specific needs while creating more benefits with the use of meditation. The relationships to mood link back to the direct effects that are noted to change when one begins to meditate. Another study, (Lewis, et al 2007), looked at the effects which occurred from those who meditated for years and which continued to practice this regularly. The study looked at those who used concentration meditation as the main way to connect and relax with the mind. The neural correlates were examined to those who meditated and were measured using a traditional MRI. It was found that activation in other brain regions, specifically which led to sustained attention, were created. This was combined with u-shaped curves that were formed over a period of time. It was found that there were differences in the amount of practice achieved, specifically with those who had maintained 19,000 hours of meditation having less activation and those who had practiced for over 44,000 hours having a different shape and more activation of the brain, specifically in relation to inhibition and attention. The study indicates that the difference in the meditation may not have direct affects but takes time to create alternative levels of emotions, mood and affects in terms of psychological and physical changes (Lewis et al 2007). This particular study indicates that it is not an instant change with meditation that occurs, specifically with the physical and psychological changes. The time frame in which one practices meditation also begins to alter the responses to what is occurring in different areas that one is in. This is furthered with the understanding that there may be direct effects that don’t last for as long of a period of time as one begins to change in the routine. The current study done noted that there were direct changes in depression, mood and in heart rate. However, when linking this to the study of Lewis et al (2007), there is an understanding that the positive effects may not have continuous results unless practiced for a longer period of time. If one is being treated for psychiatric disorders, the routine of meditation needs to be analyzed over a longer period of time than 8 weeks and should continuously begin to create different alternatives to how one responds over a given period of time. This may show different results with all studies and may create alternative insight into how meditation affects individuals in the short and long term as well as what is required to enhance mood and change the psychiatric and physical concepts one is a part of. The current study relates to both research studies noted. The first is through the differences which were displayed with the changes in depression and heart rate, showing that there are effects with meditation and how one responds. However, the psychiatric disorders that move beyond the mood disorders, such as depression, may not be as treatable with meditation. This suggests that the activity of meditation for physical and psychological health and well – being is limited to specific types of needs. Changing the understanding of what can or cannot be used for meditation is now the point which is being looked into. The positive effects which are noted may be limited to specific types of meditation or different physical and psychological disorders that are a part of the meditation which is used. Examining the implications of this further can help to redefine the different components that are associated with meditation and the physical and psychological effects that are associated with meditation. Limitations to the Study The study provided was able to examine the positive effects of meditation and specific changes which were associated with overcoming depression and lowering heart rate. It is seen that there is a direct correlation with meditation and one’s overall health that is linked to these specific attributes. This is further linked to the understanding of how meditation is not only related directly to concepts of spirituality, but also develops the concepts of health and well – being. While this particular study showed this, there were limitations because of the focus that was a part of the study. Looking at only the ideologies of depression and anxiety and understanding the link to heart rate is one of a variety of components which are related to meditation. There are further questions of how this may affect other parts of the mind and body as well as what positive or negative effects it may have on individuals. The more which is understood about specific methodologies for meditation, the easier it will become to those who are looking at the ways in which meditation can be used. The limitations with this study are furthered with the examination of participants that are used. Altering this to include more ranges of participants might help to increase the diversity of results. There may also be more significant changes if observing the individuals over a period of time instead of through a pre and post test. If this were done, it might alter the results or change the significance of the study to see larger differences between those who meditate and those who do not. This would establish an understanding of how meditation contributes to one’s overall well – being and associates this with different approaches for meditation and what is included with this concept. By doing this, there is the ability to establish a different quality of life with individuals who are looking at meditation for a longer period of time and which are interested in the significance that is associated with the concepts and effects which meditation creates. Recommendations for Future Studies When looking at other studies and combining these elements with this study, it is noted that there can be further examination that will help in understanding the importance of meditation. The first is based on the understanding of time frames and how this alters the physical, psychological and characteristic approaches to meditation. The different results of studies all indicate that time frame in which one becomes a part of the meditation creates differences. In the current study short term results were found with significant changes between meditators and non – meditators. However, it was also noted that there were other studies that did not find the same results. These were specific to psychiatric disorders and mood changes that were created. The differences in each of the studies were based specifically on time frames which were used. Longer term studies found significant results while those that focused on 8 weeks or less had mixed results. Another recommendation which can be made with future studies is based on the type of meditation used and how this affects the way in which an individual practices. Different cultures and traditions have elements of meditation that are used, all which are known to provide different results in health and well – being. Most studies indicated the concept of meditation in general as a main way of practicing. Others used mindfulness meditation as a way of assisting with patients. However, if the techniques vary and other concepts relating to meditation are not defined, then it may change results. Understanding how this may alter the results may indicate that there are specific methodologies which can be used to change how one responds to meditation. This can correspond to studies linking to ideologies in practicing lifestyle changes, exercise and other physical activities as well. The meditation method can then link to studies based on types of attitude changes, ways in which psychiatric disorders may or may not be altered and other proponents that have direct links to how one meditates and the significance of this. Conclusion The concept of meditation has been attributed to spirituality and the way in which one practices their own beliefs. However, secular meditation is now becoming an increasingly important part of health and well – being. Through a variety of studies, it is found that meditation can change physical and psychological effects. In this research study, there is a direct correlation between meditation and how it affects both physical and psychological responses from participants. This shows a significant relationship to the different lifestyles that one has and the concept of secular meditation that can help to change the health levels of individuals. Examining this concept further with specific physical and psychological needs which change with meditation and looking at different relationships with this can create an alteration with health concepts that relate to different physical and psychological needs. References Astin, JA. (1997). “Stress Reduction through Mindfulness Meditation: Effects on Psychological Symptomatology, Sense of Control, and Spiritual Experiences.” International Journal of Psyhomatics 57 (2). Brace, Nicola, Richard Kemp, Rosemary Snelgar. (2000). SPSS for Psychologists: A Guide to Data Analysis Using SPSS. New York: Routledge. Ivanovski, Belinda, Gin Malhi. 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