Clinical & Academic Research

Scientific studies and peer-reviewed research on meditation and mental health effects for readers seeking evidence-based information.

This page provides access to the full text of Arnold A. Lazarus’s 1976 paper, “Psychiatric Problems Precipitated by Transcendental Meditation”, originally published in Psychological Reports, Volume 39, pages 601–602.

In the paper, Lazarus discusses his clinical observations and reports from other practitioners concerning adverse psychological experiences associated with Transcendental Meditation (TM). He argues that, although meditation and relaxation techniques may be beneficial for many people, they should not necessarily be regarded as universally suitable or risk-free. 

The paper particularly considers:

• Reports of depression, agitation and severe psychological disturbance following the commencement of TM.
• Individual cases in which meditation was associated with suicidal behaviour, mental breakdown or severe depersonalisation.
• The importance of recognising individual differences when applying psychological and relaxation techniques.
• Lazarus's view that meditation may be more appropriate for some people than others, depending on their psychological characteristics and circumstances.
• The possibility that people experiencing significant psychiatric difficulties may require careful supervision and attention to difficulties arising during the early stages of meditation practice.
• His wider argument that researchers should investigate not only the potential benefits of meditation, but also its limitations, contraindications and possible risks.

The paper reflects the clinical knowledge and terminology of the 1970s, and some of its terminology and conclusions should therefore be understood in their historical context. It is presented here as a historical psychological text rather than as current clinical guidance.