The article reports on the growth of mindfulness research over the past several decades. Starting in 2006, mindfulness research entered into an exponential growth trajectory, and this pattern has continued since.

Trends and Developments in Mindfulness Research over 55 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis of Publications Indexed in Web of Science

Abstract:

Mindfulness is an attribute of consciousness long believed to promote well-being. This research provides a theoretical and empirical examination of the role of mindfulness in psychological well-being. The development and psychometric properties of the dispositional Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) are described. Correlational, quasi-experimental, and laboratory studies then show that the MAAS measures a unique quality of consciousness that is related to a variety of well-being constructs, that differentiates mindfulness practitioners from others, and that is associated with enhanced self-awareness. An experience-sampling study shows that both dispositional and state mindfulness predict self-regulated behavior and positive emotional states. Finally, a clinical intervention study with cancer patients demonstrates that increases in mindfulness over time relate to declines in mood disturbance and stress.

The benefits of being present: mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being

These studies were collected by the Maharishi International University. In their own words:

"The research studies below were selected from the hundreds of peer-reviewed published studies (see Bibliography) conducted at a wide range of independent research institutions."

Transcendental Meditation: Collection of Articles

Transcendental Meditation: Reduced Healthcare Expenditure

A study on the impact of Metta meditation, a Buddhist practice for cultivating feelings of warmth and kindness towards others.

The study found that effects of Metta meditation compound over time. The longer a practitioner continues with the practice (meaning weeks and months), the more powerfully it impacts their baseline emotional state.

Open hearts build lives

Abstract:

"Previous voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies have revealed that meditation is associated with structural brain changes in regions underlying cognitive processes that are required for attention or mindfulness during meditation. This VBM study examined brain changes related to the practice of an emotion-oriented meditation: loving-kindness meditation (LKM). A 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner captured images of the brain structures of 25 men, 10 of whom had practiced LKM in the Theravada tradition for at least 5 years. Compared with novices, more gray matter volume was detected in the right angular and posterior parahippocampal gyri in LKM experts. The right angular gyrus has not been previously reported to have structural differences associated with meditation, and its specific role in mind and cognitive empathy theory suggests the uniqueness of this finding for LKM practice. These regions are important for affective regulation associated with empathic response, anxiety and mood. At the same time, gray matter volume in the left temporal lobe in the LKM experts appeared to be greater, an observation that has also been reported in previous MRI meditation studies on meditation styles other than LKM. Overall, the findings of our study suggest that experience in LKM may influence brain structures associated with affective regulation."

Increased gray matter volume in the right angular and posterior parahippocampal gyri in loving-kindness meditators

This study investigates the relationship between meditation and depersonalization, and the factors that determine whether such an experience is positive or negative.

Abstract:
"From a review of the literature on meditation and depersonalization and interviews conducted with six meditators, this study concludes that: 1) meditation can cause depersonalization and derealization; 2) the meanings in the mind of the meditator regarding the experience of depersonalization will determine to a great extent whether anxiety is present as part of the experience; 3) there need not be any significant anxiety or impairment in social or occupational functioning as a result of depersonalization; 4) a depersonalized state can become an apparently permanent mode of functioning; 5) patients with Depersonalization Disorder may be treated through a process of symbolic healing--that is, changing the meanings associated with depersonalization in the mind of the patient, thereby reducing anxiety and functional impairment; 6) panic/anxiety may be caused by depersonalization if catastrophic interpretations of depersonalization are present."

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20965416_Depersonalization_and_meditation

Abstract:
"Positive associations between well-being and a single contemplative practice (e.g., mindfulness meditation) are well documented, yet prior work may have underestimated the strength of the association by omitting consideration of multiple and/or alternative contemplative practices. Moreover, little is known about how contemplative practice behavior (CPB) impacts different dimensions of well-being. This study investigates the relationship of CPB, consisting of four discrete practices (embodied somatic-observing, non-reactive mindfulness, self-compassion, and compassion for others), with multiple dimensions of well-being. As with other canonical lifestyle behaviors, multiple contemplative practices can be integrated into one’s daily routine. Thus, it is critical to holistically consider these behaviors, extending them beyond a simple uni-dimensional measure (e.g., daily mindfulness meditation practice). We developed an integrative measure of four types of contemplative practice and found it to be significantly associated with a multi-dimensional measure of well-being. Importantly, our findings were from three large global multi-regional cohorts and compared against better-understood lifestyle behaviors (physical activity). Data were drawn from California/San Francisco Bay Area, (n = 6442), Hangzhou City (n = 10,268), and New Taipei City (n = 3033). In all three cohorts, we found statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive associations between CPB and well-being, both overall and with all of the constituent domains of well-being, comparable to or stronger than the relationship with physical activity across most well-being outcomes. These findings provide robust and cross-cultural evidence for a positive association between CPB and well-being, illuminate dimensions of well-being that could be most influenced by CPB, and suggest CPB may be useful to include as part of fundamental lifestyle recommendations for health and well-being."
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9603492/

Introduction:

"While diverse contemplative techniques are employed across a plethora of traditions around the world, contemplative research over the years has not reflected this variety. Despite exponential growth in contemplative research in recent decades, it has largely been dominated within a relatively narrow and inadequately-defined construct of contemplative practice (CP) under the umbrella term “mindfulness.” The aim of this Research Topic was to provide an avenue for understanding CP from a more diverse and inclusive perspective."

Editorial: The varieties of contemplative experiences and practices

This article examines the relative impact of three different meditation techniques. The findings indicate that different techniques have different effects upon the practitioner. To see the article, search for the title on Google, or follow the link below:

What makes mindfulness-based interventions effective? An examination of common components. (apa.org)

Jon Kabat-Zinn popularized a highly effective meditation technique for creating physical relaxation. The article below examines the historical origins of the technique.

Buddhist antecedents to the body scan meditation. (apa.org)