Zen meditation and ABC relaxation theory: An exploration of relaxation states, beliefs, dispositions, and motivations

Experienced Zen meditators (59 practitioners with at least six years of experience) showed distinct psychological profiles compared to a control group of 24 college students who read magazines. Meditators were less likely to believe in God, more likely to believe in Inner Wisdom, and more likely to exhibit relaxation dispositions such as Mental Quiet, Mental Relaxation, and Timeless/Boundless/Infinite. After an hour of Zazen, meditators reported greater increases in relaxation states including Mental Quiet, Love and Thankfulness, and Prayerfulness, along with reduced Worry. These findings support Smith's ABC Relaxation Theory.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study is an attempt to rigorously map the psychological effects of Zen meditation among experienced practitioners. Fifty-nine Zen meditators with at least six years of experience practiced an hour of traditional Zazen seated meditation. A control group of 24 college students spent 60 min silently reading popular magazines. Before relaxation, all participants took the Smith Relaxation States Inventory (SRSI), the Smith Relaxation Dispositions/Motivations Inventory (SRD/MI), and the Smith Relaxation Beliefs Inventory (SRBI). After practice, participants again took the SRSI. Analyses revealed that meditators are less likely to believe in God, more likely to believe in Inner Wisdom, and more likely to display the relaxation dispositions Mental Quiet, Mental Relaxation, and Timeless/Boundless/Infinite. Pre- and postsession analyses revealed that meditators showed greater increments in the relaxation states Mental Quiet, Love and Thankfulness, and Prayerfulness, as well as reduced Worry. Results support Smith's ABC Relaxation Theory.