An experiential and theory based session exploring Metta meditation and emerging evidence base relating to wellbeing

Compared to other forms of meditation, research into Loving Kindness Meditation has not been studied as widely or as in depth (Wallace, 2006; May et al. 2011). What has been conducted has tended to focus on more affective measures which may be a result of these being anticipated outcomes of the practice due to its specific focus. Research suggests that LKM can increase empathy (Császár, 2012) and positivity towards strangers (Hutcherson, Seppala & gross, 2008), increase positive emotions and decrease negative symptoms in participants who have schizophrenia (Johnson et al. 2009; Johnson et al. 2011) and the practice has potential to be used alongside more traditional treatments in clinical settings (Hofmann, Grossman & Hinton 2011). In addition, qualitative research reports practitioners suggesting that the practice can increase ability to listen to others, and enable the practitioner to be less reactive in situations (Miller & Nozawa, 2002). Findings from the limited amount of research which has been published, in conjunction with qualitative research that has been conducted by the researcher which has found similar themes emerging, suggests that there are benefits to the practice in the increase of pro social and affective measures which will be explored further in the remaining stages of a PhD. The session would include a combination of an introduction to Loving Kindness Meditation, an experiential session and a review of qualitative research which has been conducted which highlights some of the reported experiences of the practice. An introduction to what Loving Kindness Meditation is and its effects would be presented. The audience would then be invited to take part in a guided Loving Kindness Meditation for around 10 minutes to gain insight into the practice for those who have not engaged with it, and experience how it may differ from other forms of spiritual practice. Finally, the overall findings from a piece of qualitative research which has been conducted as part of a wider PhD exploring Loving Kindness Meditation will be presented. This will include the most prominent themes that emerged from IPA of the transcripts, such as the effects the practice has on inter and intra-personal relationships and the perceived importance of Loving Kindness to practitioners. The piece of research will also be contextualised in relation to later studies.