In Talk 1 Nathan Fisher presents findings from a qualitative study investigating the range of experiences and interpretations reported in contemporary Abrahamic contemplative traditions. In appraising distressing or challenging meditation-related experiences, teachers and practitioners understood them to be either normative, non-normative, or sometimes a combination of the two.

In Talk 2 Jonathan Davies presents new US representative data on the prevalence and predictors of meditation-related unusual experiences (UEs). 99% of participants reported at least 1 UE, which were predicted by unusual beliefs, psychedelic use and experience. 62% of participants experienced AEs, which were predicted by trauma history and psychological distress.

In Talk 3 Imke Hanssen presents data from a mixed-methods study investigating the prevalence and course of adverse effects during MBCT in patients with bipolar disorder. AEs were reported by 29 of 72 patients and seen most frequently up to Week 3. More than half of patients viewed AEs as therapeutic rather than harmful.

In Talk 4 Amit Bernstein presents data from a non-randomized prospective matched-control study of 6-day intensive mindfulness meditation retreats. Experiences more frequently reported during intensive retreats vs daily living matched-controls were primarily pleasant and associated with a salutary impact at 2-weeks post-retreat. By contrast, unpleasant (adverse) side-effects did not differ between intensive retreats and daily living matched-controls and were associated with a salutary impact at 2-weeks post-retreat.