Adam Burke|Chun Nok Lam|Barbara Stussman|Hui Yang
Prevalence and patterns of use of mantra, mindfulness and spiritual meditation among adults in the United States
San Francisco State University|University of Southern California|National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health|National Institutes of Health|San Francisco State University
despite growing body scientific literature exploring nature meditation limited information characteristics individuals use particularly true comparative studies examining prevalence predictors use various forms meditation secondary analysis conducted using data 2012 national health interview survey n 34525 three popular forms meditation comparedmantra mindfulness spiritualto determine lifetime 12month use related key sociodemographic health behavior health status healthcare access variables 12month prevalence meditation practice 31 spiritual meditation 19 mindfulness meditation 16 mantra meditation represents approximately 70 43 36 million adults respectively comparison across three meditation practices found many similarities user characteristics suggesting interest meditation may related type person meditating type practice selected across meditation styles use prevalent among respondents female nonhispanic white college educated physically active used complementary health practices reported depression higher utilization conventional healthcare services one strongest predictors use three styles addition similarities important distinctions observed example spiritual meditation practice prevalent among former drinkers may reflect use spiritual meditation practices support alcohol treatment sobriety reasons use meditation examined using sample respondents practiced mindfulness meditation wellness prevention 74 common reason use treat specific health condition 30 common reasons use included stress management 92 emotional wellbeing 91 support health behaviors meditation viewed positively selfcare oriented 81 focused whole person 79 meditation appears provide accessible selfcare resource potential value mental health behavioral selfregulation integrative medical care considering consumer preference distinct types meditation practices understanding underlying mechanisms benefits applications practice variations important