From Stress Reduction to Contemplative Cultivation: a Mixed-Methods Study of Meditation Motives, Challenges and Risks in Hong Kong

A survey of 164 meditators in Hong Kong found that 21% reported negative effects from meditation, yet 63% believed the practice is entirely risk-free, revealing a gap between experience and perception. Two motivational profiles emerged: "Utilizers" meditate mainly for stress and anxiety relief, practice fewer hours, expect immediate benefits, and view thoughts and feelings as private; "Cultivators" prioritize self-awareness and spiritual growth, practice longer, have lower expectations of immediate improvement, and more often perceive nature as healing. Qualitative responses described learning difficulties, technique confusion, and physical, psychological, and spiritual distress, though some participants reframed these as growth opportunities. The findings suggest tailoring meditation programs to different motivational profiles may enhance safety and effectiveness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This exploratory study examined how meditators’ orientations (e.g., motives, expectations, beliefs) are associated with experiences, perceived benefits/risks, and practice patterns in Hong Kong, with the aim of informing safer meditation. Method We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 164 adults. Participants ranked nine possible motives for meditation and reported their adverse experiences, perceived risks, expectations of immediate benefit, practice techniques, weekly practice time, metaphysical beliefs about thoughts and feelings, and sense of nature-relatedness (NR-6). Non-parametric methods were used to examine links between ranked motives and practice/attitudinal variables. Open-ended responses were thematically analyzed for qualitative descriptions of challenges and harms while meditating. Results Despite 21% of participants reporting experiences of negative effects from meditation, 63% perceived it as entirely risk-free, underscoring common but potentially misleading views. The qualitative survey provided a more nuanced picture. It points to persistent learning difficulties, technique-related confusion, and experiences of physical, psychological, and spiritual distress. Importantly, some participants also reframed these difficulties as opportunities for growth. The rankings revealed two broad motivational typologies. The first profile, which we termed Utilizers , prioritizes meditation as a means of stress and anxiety relief. The second, Cultivators , emphasizes self-awareness and spiritual growth. Utilizers reported fewer hours of practice, a stronger expectation of immediate benefit, and a greater tendency to view thoughts and feelings during meditation as entirely private. By contrast, Cultivators practiced for longer periods, were less likely to expect immediate improvement, and more often perceived nature as healing. Conclusions The distinction between Utilizers and Cultivators suggests that meditation is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Programs may be safer and more effective if tailored to better help Utilizers manage expectations and challenges while supporting Cultivators’ longer-term development.