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Cited by 71Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsIndian and Buddhist StudiesReligion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Meditation, Trauma and Suffering in Silence: Raising Questions about How Meditation is Taught and Practiced in Western Contexts in the Light of a Contemporary Trauma Resiliency Model

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Compson, Jane·2014·Contemporary Buddhism
DOI 10.1080/14639947.2014.935264
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Abstract

Although there are very few published studies on the issue, there is much anecdotal evidence that, despite all its undisputed benefits, meditation practice can have psychologically deleterious effects. In this paper I will describe a body-based model for understanding trauma, the Trauma Resiliency model, and suggest it might be a helpful tool in anticipating, preventing and/or mitigating these effects. I will argue that Buddhist traditions are replete with frameworks, tools and techniques for addressing some of the psychological pitfalls highlighted. However, some of these methods may have been ‘lost in translation’ as Buddhist meditation training has been adapted for a Western audience. I will make the case that, somewhat ironically, in operational terms some of the secular modalities for teaching mindfulness (such as MBSR) may be psychologically ‘safer’ than those offered in a (Western) Buddhist context. I will call for further inquiry about how to mitigate and protect against psychological harms in Buddhist meditation training.

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  • There remains some contention about the impact of meditation on depression and traumatic memories, which can prove challenging when meditating.

    “However, there remains some contention regarding impact on depression and traumatic memories that can prove challenging when meditating (e.g., Lindahl, Fisher, Cooper, Rosen, Britton, 2017;Compson, 2014;Miller, 1993).”

    From “Giving yourself some breathing room…”: an exploration of group meditation for people with aphasia (2021) · cites this paper as Compson, 2014

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Authors
Compson, J.
Corresponding author
Compson, Jane
ORCID
Compson, Jane
Venue
Contemporary Buddhism
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2014-07-03
Volume
15
Issue
2
Pages
274-297
ISSN
  • 1463-9947 (ISSN-L)
  • 1476-7953
DOI
10.1080/14639947.2014.935264
OpenAlex
W2078618851
Cited by
71
References
21
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 48 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 4
FWCI
3.54
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Contemporary Buddhism (publishedVersion)
  • University of Washington Tacoma Digital Commons (University of Washington Tacoma) (submittedVersion)
  • Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Indian and Buddhist Studies
  • Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Keywords
meditation, trauma, Buddhist meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, Western Buddhism, secular mindfulness, meditation training, suffering

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