Effectiveness Not Established

Distance Meditation

for Depression

Distance meditation involves an individual meditating to accomplish distant psychological healing. In a study of distance medication's effects on depression, a healthcare professional examined medical files of patients and meditated for the patients based on those files. There was no direct interaction or contact with the patient.

Research Evidence Summaries

Pagliaro, G., Pandolfi, P., Collina, N., Frezza, G., Brandes, A., Galli, M., . . . Marconi, L. (2015). A randomized controlled trial of Tong Len meditation practice in cancer patients: Evaluation of a distant psychological healing effect. Explore, 12, 42-49.

Study Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of Tong Len meditation on depression, stress, anxiety, and self-perception of quality of life in a population of patients with cancer.

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Tong Len meditation (Tibetan meditation practice), a distant healing compassionate act, was used for three months, three times a week for 15-20 minutes on a group of patients with cancer. The evaluation of the results with the POMS and EQ 5 D questionnaires took place after two months, three months, and one month after treatment cessation.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 77
  • MEAN AGE = 57.09
  • MALES: 6.8%,FEMALES: 93.2%
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Mostly patients with breast cancer
  • THER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Patients with psychiatric disorders and patients in advance stage or terminal stage of cancer were excluded

Setting

  • SITE: Single site
  • SETTING TYPE: Not specified
  • LOCATION: Bologna, Italy

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care

Study Design

  • Double-blind randomized, controlled trial

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Profile of Mood States
  • EORTC Quality of Life Core 30 questionnaire

Results

Considering the results of Tong Len meditation on depression, there was a significant improvement (p = 0.003) in the treatment group. As far as the other components, there were no significant differences between treatment and control groups. There was a significant increase in levels of vigor and activity in the control group (p = 0.009). In both groups, there was an increase in self-perceived quality of life, possibly due to a “white lab coat\" effect.

Conclusions

Tong Len meditation does not show statistically significant evidence to support scientific efficacy on depression, anxiety, or stress. It does show an improvement in both groups in self-perceived quality of life and an overall psychological gain, which might reflect a positive \"white lab coat\" effect.

Limitations

  • Small sample (less than 100)
  • Risk of bias (sample characteristics)
  • Intervention expensive, impractical, or training needs

Nursing Implications

Although Tong Len meditation might be beneficial to patients with cancer, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution due to limitations, including small sample size, non-homogeneity of tumor pathology, and cancer treatment.

Print