ABSTRACT
In 1977 the American Psychiatric Association called for a critical examination of the clinical effectiveness of meditation. The author provides a review of the literature bearing on clinical and physiological comparisons of meditation with other self-control strategies. He begins by providing a definition of meditation and then cites the literature comparing meditation with such self-regulation strategies as biofeedback, hypnosis, and progressive relaxation. He pays particular attention to the “uniqueness” of meditation as a clinical intervention strategy as well as the adverse effects of meditation. Finally, he offers suggestions and guidelines for future research.
