Spiritual meditation: what the research says

Very few studies, with mixed results. One review found less anxiety, but there is no good evidence yet for most wellbeing needs.

What a session is

A guided meditation within a spiritual framework, for example focusing on a sense of connection with something greater, your life’s purpose, or what practitioners call energy centres (chakras). Approaches vary widely between practitioners.

What the research says

• Worry and anxiety: A review found less anxiety with religious or spiritual meditation, but studies were few and varied. More research is needed. Limited evidence · Psychological Medicine, 2015
• Stress: One small study found less work burnout, and a review of faith-based approaches reported less stress. Studies are few and varied. Limited evidence · Psychological Medicine, 2015
• Low mood: Few studies, with mixed results: a review of faith-based approaches found some benefit, but one small trial found no clear change. Limited evidence · Psychological Medicine, 2015
• Wellbeing and quality of life: Two small studies found no clear change in quality of life. No good evidence yet; more research is needed. No good evidence yet · SESCS (Spain), 2022
• Sleep, back pain, menopause and grief: Not studied in the sources we use. No good evidence yet

More on each need: Feel calmer · Handle stress better · Lift your mood · Sleep better · A relaxed body · Menopause wellbeing · Grief and loss

Is it safe?

Meditation is usually low risk, but in studies about 8 in 100 people felt worse, most often anxious or low. It does not replace medical or mental health care: if you have a mental health condition, talk to your doctor first. Ask about your practitioner’s training and experience. NCCIH, 2022

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

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Checked 17 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.