{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,7,21]],"date-time":"2026-07-21T00:05:07Z","timestamp":1784592307693,"version":"3.55.0"},"reference-count":68,"publisher":"Springer Science and Business Media LLC","issue":"1","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,19]],"date-time":"2026-05-19T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1779148800000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"},{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,7,21]],"date-time":"2026-07-21T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1784592000000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":63,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"}],"funder":[{"name":"Three Springs Foundation, Pty. Ltd."}],"content-domain":{"domain":["link.springer.com"],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Sci Rep"],"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>\n                    Contemplative practices (including meditation and yoga) are increasingly popular worldwide, especially as alternatives and\/or complements to mental health treatment. However, nationally representative samples that allow for accurate estimates of prevalence and relation to mental health are scarce. We conducted a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey in Australia and New Zealand (\n                    <jats:italic>N<\/jats:italic>\n                    \u2009=\u20092640). Sampling was stratified by age, gender, ancestry\/ethnicity, region and income. Two pre-registered questions were analysed to explore participants\u2019 engagement in contemplative practices and associations to psychological distress and mental healthcare use. We used posthoc regression analyses to further clarify relationships between variables. Overall, 70% of participants engaged in contemplative practices over the past year, most commonly meditation (31%), relaxation (25%), breathing techniques (24%), and yoga (21%). Improving health and wellbeing were the primary motivations for practice. All contemplative practice users reported significantly higher psychological distress and mental healthcare use than non-practitioners (\n                    <jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\n                    \u2019s&lt;0.05). Adjusting for sociodemographic differences removed associations with distress among yoga and relaxation practitioners (\u03b2\n                    <jats:sub>relaxation<\/jats:sub>\n                    \u2009=\u20090.02, \u03b2\n                    <jats:sub>yoga<\/jats:sub>\n                    \u2009=\u2009\u2212\u20090.03,\n                    <jats:italic>n.s.<\/jats:italic>\n                    ). For meditators, the association disappeared when we accounted for mental healthcare use (\u03b2\n                    <jats:sub>meditation<\/jats:sub>\n                    \u2009=\u20090.01,\n                    <jats:italic>n.s.<\/jats:italic>\n                    ). Breathing practice was associated with increased distress in all models (\u03b2\n                    <jats:sub>breathing<\/jats:sub>\n                    \u2009=\u20090.04\u20130.11,\n                    <jats:italic>p\u2019s&lt;<\/jats:italic>\n                    0.05). Notably, meditators and relaxation practitioners with unmet healthcare needs reported less distress than non-practitioners with unmet needs (\n                    <jats:italic>d<\/jats:italic>\n                    <jats:sub>\n                      <jats:italic>meditation<\/jats:italic>\n                    <\/jats:sub>\n                    =0.38,\n                    <jats:italic>d<\/jats:italic>\n                    <jats:sub>\n                      <jats:italic>relaxation<\/jats:italic>\n                    <\/jats:sub>\n                    =0.35). Contemplative practices are widespread among Australians and New Zealanders and may play a complementary and\/or alternative role in managing mental health. Further research is needed to study their complex associations with mental health, and which types of contemplative practices are beneficial and safe for whom.\n                  <\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-026-51375-4","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,19]],"date-time":"2026-05-19T13:06:05Z","timestamp":1779195965000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/springer_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Contemplative practices serve as complementary mental health strategies in nationally representative samples from Australia and New Zealand"],"prefix":"10.1038","volume":"16","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-2410-4774","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Karin","family":"Matko","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-5030-430X","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Cate","family":"Bailey","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-4108-5341","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Julieta","family":"Galante","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-7838-126X","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Jonathan N.","family":"Davies","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-1131-0739","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Nicholas T.","family":"Van Dam","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"297","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,19]]},"reference":[{"key":"51375_CR1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"668","DOI":"10.1016\/S2215-0366(23)00193-1","volume":"10","author":"JJ McGrath","year":"2023","unstructured":"McGrath, J. J. et al. Age of onset and cumulative risk of mental disorders: a cross-national analysis of population surveys from 29 countries. Lancet Psychiatry. 10, 668\u2013681 (2023).","journal-title":"Lancet Psychiatry"},{"key":"51375_CR2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e2216207120","DOI":"10.1073\/pnas.2216207120","volume":"120","author":"M Daly","year":"2023","unstructured":"Daly, M. & Macchia, L. Global trends in emotional distress. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 120, e2216207120. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.2216207120 (2023).","journal-title":"Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci."},{"key":"51375_CR3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e1003901","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pmed.1003901","volume":"19","author":"M Moitra","year":"2022","unstructured":"Moitra, M. et al. The global gap in treatment coverage for major depressive disorder in 84 countries from 2000\u20132019: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-regression analysis. PLoS Med. 19, e1003901 (2022).","journal-title":"PLoS Med."},{"key":"51375_CR4","unstructured":"World Health Organization. World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all (World Health Organization, 2022)."},{"key":"51375_CR5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"990","DOI":"10.1017\/S0033291716003317","volume":"47","author":"RS Crane","year":"2017","unstructured":"Crane, R. S. et al. What defines mindfulness-based programs? The warp and the weft. Psychol. Med. 47, 990\u2013999. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017\/S0033291716003317 (2017).","journal-title":"Psychol. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"121","DOI":"10.17761\/1531-2054-27.1.121","volume":"27","author":"H Mason","year":"2017","unstructured":"Mason, H., Schnackenberg, N. & Monro, R. Yoga and healthcare in the United Kingdom. Int. J. Yoga Ther. 27, 121\u2013126 (2017).","journal-title":"Int. J. Yoga Ther."},{"key":"51375_CR7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2359","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-022-01960-1","volume":"13","author":"L Zhang","year":"2022","unstructured":"Zhang, L. et al. Economic Evaluations of Mindfulness-Based Interventions: a Systematic Review. Mindfulness 13, 2359\u20132378. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-022-01960-1 (2022).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"14987","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-024-64562-y","volume":"14","author":"JN Davies","year":"2024","unstructured":"Davies, J. N., Faschinger, A., Galante, J. & Van Dam, N. T. Prevalence and 20-year trends in meditation, yoga, guided imagery and progressive relaxation use among US adults from 2002 to 2022. Sci. Rep. 14, 14987. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-024-64562-y (2024).","journal-title":"Sci. Rep."},{"key":"51375_CR9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"121","DOI":"10.1001\/jamapsychiatry.2016.3469","volume":"74","author":"RJ Davidson","year":"2017","unstructured":"Davidson, R. J. & Dahl, C. J. Varieties of contemplative practice. JAMA Psychiatry. 74, 121\u2013123 (2017).","journal-title":"JAMA Psychiatry"},{"key":"51375_CR10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"462","DOI":"10.1038\/s44220-023-00081-5","volume":"1","author":"J Galante","year":"2023","unstructured":"Galante, J., Friedrich, C., Dalgleish, T., Jones, P. B. & White, I. R. Systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing mindfulness-based programs for mental health promotion. Nat. Ment Health. 1, 462\u2013476 (2023).","journal-title":"Nat. Ment Health"},{"key":"51375_CR11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"108","DOI":"10.1177\/1745691620968771","volume":"17","author":"SB Goldberg","year":"2022","unstructured":"Goldberg, S. B., Riordan, K. M., Sun, S. & Davidson, R. J. The empirical status of mindfulness-based interventions: A systematic review of 44 meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. Perspect. Psychol. Sci. 17, 108\u2013130. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1745691620968771 (2022).","journal-title":"Perspect. Psychol. Sci."},{"key":"51375_CR12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Matko, K., Bringmann, H. C. & Sedlmeier, P. Effects of different components of yoga: A meta-synthesis. OBM Integr. Compl. Med. 6 https:\/\/doi.org\/10.21926\/obm.icm.2103030 (2021a).","DOI":"10.21926\/obm.icm.2103030"},{"key":"51375_CR13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e031848","DOI":"10.1136\/bmjopen-2019-031848","volume":"10","author":"T Cartwright","year":"2020","unstructured":"Cartwright, T., Mason, H., Porter, A. & Pilkington, K. Yoga practice in the UK: a cross-sectional survey of motivation, health benefits and behaviours. BMJ Open. 10, e031848. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/bmjopen-2019-031848 (2020).","journal-title":"BMJ Open."},{"key":"51375_CR14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"382","DOI":"10.1159\/000499900","volume":"26","author":"H Cramer","year":"2019","unstructured":"Cramer, H. Meditation in Deutschland: Eine national repr\u00e4sentative Umfrage. Complement. Med. Res. 26, 382\u2013389. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1159\/000499900 (2019).","journal-title":"Complement. Med. Res."},{"key":"51375_CR15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"92","DOI":"10.4103\/0973-6131.98217","volume":"5","author":"S Penman","year":"2012","unstructured":"Penman, S., Cohen, M., Stevens, P. & Jackson, S. Yoga in Australia: Results of a national survey. Int. J. Yoga. 5, 92. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0973-6131.98217 (2012).","journal-title":"Int. J. Yoga"},{"key":"51375_CR16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Wang, C., Li, K., Choudhury, A. & Gaylord, S. (eds) (Chunyun),, Trends in Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong Use Among US Adults, 2002\u20132017. Am. J. Public Health 109, 755\u2013761. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2105\/AJPH.2019.304998 (2019).","DOI":"10.2105\/AJPH.2019.304998"},{"key":"51375_CR17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"Article7","DOI":"10.17761\/2021-D-20-00022","volume":"31","author":"S Mohanty","year":"2021","unstructured":"Mohanty, S. et al. Prevalence, patterns, and predictors of yoga practice among adults in an urban population in Eastern India. Int. J. Yoga Ther. 31, Article7 (2021).","journal-title":"Int. J. Yoga Ther."},{"key":"51375_CR18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"304","DOI":"10.1159\/000439468","volume":"22","author":"H Cramer","year":"2015","unstructured":"Cramer, H. Yoga in Deutschland: Ergebnisse einer national repr\u00e4sentativen Umfrage. Complement. Med. Res. 22, 304\u2013310. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1159\/000439468 (2015).","journal-title":"Complement. Med. Res."},{"key":"51375_CR19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"101487","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ctcp.2021.101487","volume":"45","author":"B Orlygsdottir","year":"2021","unstructured":"Orlygsdottir, B., Gunnarsdottir, T. J., Thoroddsen, A. & Vilhjalmsson, R. The prevalence and characteristics of yoga or meditation users in Iceland: Results of a national health survey. Compl. Ther. Clin. Pract. 45, 101487. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ctcp.2021.101487 (2021).","journal-title":"Complement. Ther. Clin. Pract."},{"key":"51375_CR20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"93","DOI":"10.1186\/s12906-021-03258-6","volume":"21","author":"AE Kristoffersen","year":"2021","unstructured":"Kristoffersen, A. E., Quandt, S. A. & Stub, T. Use of complementary and alternative medicine in Norway: a cross-sectional survey with a modified Norwegian version of the international questionnaire to measure use of complementary and alternative medicine (I-CAM-QN). BMC Compl. Med. Ther. 21, 93. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12906-021-03258-6 (2021).","journal-title":"BMC Complement. Med. Ther."},{"key":"51375_CR21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"336","DOI":"10.1089\/acm.2015.0356","volume":"22","author":"R Lauche","year":"2016","unstructured":"Lauche, R., Wayne, P. M., Dobos, G. & Cramer, H. Prevalence, Patterns, and Predictors of T\u2019ai Chi and Qigong Use in the United States: Results of a Nationally Representative Survey. J. Altern. Compl. Med. 22, 336\u2013342. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1089\/acm.2015.0356 (2016).","journal-title":"J. Altern. Complement. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"11","DOI":"10.1186\/s12906-025-05183-4","volume":"26","author":"JN Davies","year":"2025","unstructured":"Davies, J. N., Bailey, C., Galante, J. & Van Dam, N. T. Prevalence and predictors of meditation use in Australia and New Zealand: results from a nationally representative survey. BMC Complement. Med. Ther. 26, 11. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12906-025-05183-4 (2025).","journal-title":"BMC Complement. Med. Ther."},{"key":"51375_CR23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-026-02788-9","author":"C Bailey","year":"2026","unstructured":"Bailey, C., Van Dam, N., Davies, J. N., Schilling, C. & Galante, J. Quality of Life, Healthcare Use and Cost of Practice from a Nationally-Representative Australian Survey to Inform Future Economic Evaluations of Contemplative Practices. Mindfulness https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-026-02788-9 (2026).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"959","DOI":"10.1017\/S0033291702006074","volume":"32","author":"RC Kessler","year":"2002","unstructured":"Kessler, R. C. et al. Short screening scales to monitor population prevalences and trends in non-specific psychological distress. Psychol. Med. 32, 959\u2013976 (2002).","journal-title":"Psychol. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"4","DOI":"10.1002\/mpr.310","volume":"19","author":"RC Kessler","year":"2010","unstructured":"Kessler, R. C. et al. Screening for serious mental illness in the general population with the K6 screening scale: results from the WHO World Mental Health (WMH) survey initiative. Int. J. Methods Psychiatr Res. 19, 4\u201322. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/mpr.310 (2010).","journal-title":"Int. J. Methods Psychiatr Res."},{"key":"51375_CR26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1277","DOI":"10.1177\/1049732305276687","volume":"15","author":"HF Hsieh","year":"2005","unstructured":"Hsieh, H. F. & Shannon, S. E. Three Approaches to Qualitative Content Analysis. Qual. Health Res. 15, 1277\u20131288. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1049732305276687 (2005).","journal-title":"Qual. Health Res."},{"key":"51375_CR27","unstructured":"Core Team, R. R: A language and environment for statistical computing. (2025)."},{"key":"51375_CR28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"17325","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-018-35508-y","volume":"8","author":"A Steel","year":"2018","unstructured":"Steel, A. et al. Complementary medicine use in the Australian population: Results of a nationally-representative cross-sectional survey. Sci. Rep. 8, 17325. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-018-35508-y (2018).","journal-title":"Sci. Rep."},{"key":"51375_CR29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"643","DOI":"10.1089\/acm.2006.6355","volume":"13","author":"CCL Xue","year":"2007","unstructured":"Xue, C. C. L., Zhang, A. L., Lin, V., Costa, D., Story, C. & D.F Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Australia: A National Population-Based Survey. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 13, 643\u2013650. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1089\/acm.2006.6355 (2007).","journal-title":"J. Altern. Complement. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"139","DOI":"10.1177\/0898010113477253","volume":"31","author":"EKO Lee","year":"2013","unstructured":"Lee, E. K. O. & Yeo, Y. Relaxation Practice for Health in the United States: Findings From the National Health Interview Survey. J. Holist. Nurs. 31, 139\u2013148. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0898010113477253 (2013).","journal-title":"J. Holist. Nurs."},{"key":"51375_CR31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"102617","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ctim.2020.102617","volume":"56","author":"M Schr\u00f6ter","year":"2021","unstructured":"Schr\u00f6ter, M. & Cramer, H. Prevalence and predictors of yogic breathing and meditation use \u2013 A nationally representative survey of US adult yoga practitioners. Compl. Ther. Med. 56, 102617. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ctim.2020.102617 (2021).","journal-title":"Complement. Ther. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1653","DOI":"10.1007\/s11606-008-0735-5","volume":"23","author":"GS Birdee","year":"2008","unstructured":"Birdee, G. S. et al. Characteristics of yoga users: Results of a national survey. J. Gen. Intern. Med. 23, 1653\u20131658 (2008).","journal-title":"J. Gen. Intern. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2725","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-020-01486-4","volume":"11","author":"O Simonsson","year":"2020","unstructured":"Simonsson, O., Martin, M. & Fisher, S. Sociodemographic Characteristics and Health Status of Mindfulness Users in the United States. Mindfulness 11, 2725\u20132729. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-020-01486-4 (2020).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"102626","DOI":"10.1093\/ecam\/nen023","volume":"7","author":"FL Bishop","year":"2010","unstructured":"Bishop, F. L. & Lewith, G. T. Who Uses CAM? A Narrative Review of Demographic Characteristics and Health Factors Associated with CAM Use. Evid. Based Compl. Alternat Med. 7, 102626. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/ecam\/nen023 (2010).","journal-title":"Evid. Based Complement. Alternat Med."},{"key":"51375_CR35","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"584","DOI":"10.1007\/s11655-016-2748-y","volume":"24","author":"K Peltzer","year":"2018","unstructured":"Peltzer, K. & Pengpid, S. Prevalence and Determinants of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Provider Use among Adults from 32 Countries. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 24, 584\u2013590. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11655-016-2748-y (2018).","journal-title":"Chin. J. Integr. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR36","first-page":"259","volume":"30","author":"M Silva","year":"2016","unstructured":"Silva, M., Loureiro, A. & Cardoso, G. Social determinants of mental health: a review of the evidence. Eur. J. Psychiatry. 30, 259\u2013292 (2016).","journal-title":"Eur. J. Psychiatry"},{"key":"51375_CR37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"197","DOI":"10.1192\/bjp.bp.112.125369","volume":"205","author":"L Smith","year":"2014","unstructured":"Smith, L. et al. Mental and physical illness in caregivers: results from an English national survey sample. Br. J. Psychiatry. 205, 197\u2013203. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1192\/bjp.bp.112.125369 (2014).","journal-title":"Br. J. Psychiatry"},{"key":"51375_CR38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"297","DOI":"10.1097\/HNP.0000000000000476","volume":"38","author":"P Canales-Ronda","year":"2024","unstructured":"Canales-Ronda, P., K\u00fcster-Boluda, I. & Vila-L\u00f3pez, N. Healthy Lifestyle and Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Holist. Nurs. Pract. 38, 297. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/HNP.0000000000000476 (2024).","journal-title":"Holist. Nurs. Pract."},{"key":"51375_CR39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"19","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ctim.2018.10.026","volume":"42","author":"H Cramer","year":"2019","unstructured":"Cramer, H. et al. Associations of yoga practice, health status, and health behavior among yoga practitioners in Germany\u2014Results of a national cross-sectional survey. Complement. Ther. Med. 42, 19\u201326. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ctim.2018.10.026 (2019).","journal-title":"Complement. Ther. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR40","first-page":"64","volume":"22","author":"MJ Leach","year":"2016","unstructured":"Leach, M. J. Profiling the Australian Consumer of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Secondary Analysis of National Health Survey Data. Altern. Ther. Health Med. 22, 64\u201372 (2016).","journal-title":"Altern. Ther. Health Med."},{"key":"51375_CR41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"104","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jpsychores.2017.07.013","volume":"101","author":"H Cramer","year":"2017","unstructured":"Cramer, H., Sibbritt, D., Park, C. L., Adams, J. & Lauche, R. Is the practice of yoga or meditation associated with a healthy lifestyle? Results of a national cross-sectional survey of 28,695 Australian women. J. Psychosom. Res. 101, 104\u2013109. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jpsychores.2017.07.013 (2017).","journal-title":"J. Psychosom. Res."},{"key":"51375_CR42","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Farias, M., Brazier, D. & Lalljee, M. Introduction: Understanding and studying meditation, in: (eds Farias, M., Brazier, D. & Lalljee, M.) The Oxford Handbook of Meditation. Oxford University Press, 0. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/oxfordhb\/9780198808640.013.1 (2021).","DOI":"10.1093\/oxfordhb\/9780198808640.013.1"},{"key":"51375_CR43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"230","DOI":"10.1016\/j.amepre.2015.07.037","volume":"50","author":"H Cramer","year":"2016","unstructured":"Cramer, H. et al. Prevalence, patterns, and predictors of yoga use: results of a US nationally representative survey. Am. J. Prev. Med. 50, 230\u2013235 (2016).","journal-title":"Am. J. Prev. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR44","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"66","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-022-02061-9","volume":"14","author":"SU Lam","year":"2023","unstructured":"Lam, S. U., Riordan, K. M., Simonsson, O., Davidson, R. J. & Goldberg, S. B. Who sticks with meditation? Rates and predictors of persistence in a population-based sample in the USA. Mindfulness 14, 66\u201378. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-022-02061-9 (2023).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2641","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-022-01985-6","volume":"13","author":"Z Jiwani","year":"2022","unstructured":"Jiwani, Z., Lam, S. U., Davidson, R. J. & Goldberg, S. B. Motivation for meditation and its association with meditation practice in a national sample of internet users. Mindfulness 13, 2641\u20132651. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-022-01985-6 (2022).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1009","DOI":"10.1089\/acm.2019.0232","volume":"25","author":"CL Park","year":"2019","unstructured":"Park, C. L., Quinker, D., Dobos, G. & Cramer, H. Motivations for adopting and maintaining a yoga practice: A national cross-sectional survey. J. Altern. Compl. Med. 25, 1009\u20131014. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1089\/acm.2019.0232 (2019).","journal-title":"J. Altern. Complement. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1527","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-020-01367-w","volume":"11","author":"P Sedlmeier","year":"2020","unstructured":"Sedlmeier, P. & Theumer, J. Why do people begin to meditate and why do they continue? Mindfulness 11, 1527\u20131545. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-020-01367-w (2020).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-023-02089-5","author":"D Oman","year":"2023","unstructured":"Oman, D. Mindfulness for Global Public Health: Critical Analysis and Agenda. Mindfulness https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-023-02089-5 (2023).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Yatham, P., Chintamaneni, S. & Stumbar, S. Lessons from India: A narrative review of integrating yoga within the US healthcare system. Cureus 15. (2023).","DOI":"10.7759\/cureus.43466"},{"key":"51375_CR50","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"995","DOI":"10.1089\/acm.2005.11.995","volume":"11","author":"MM Cohen","year":"2005","unstructured":"Cohen, M. M., Penman, S., Pirotta, M. & Costa, C. D. The Integration of Complementary Therapies in Australian General Practice: Results of a National Survey. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 11, 995\u20131004. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1089\/acm.2005.11.995 (2005).","journal-title":"J. Altern. Complement. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR51","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0285050","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0285050","volume":"18","author":"C Thomson-Casey","year":"2023","unstructured":"Thomson-Casey, C., McIntyre, E., Rogers, K. & Adams, J. The relationship between psychology practice and complementary medicine in Australia: Psychologists\u2019 demographics and practice characteristics regarding type of engagement across a range of complementary medicine modalities. PLOS One. 18, e0285050. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pone.0285050 (2023).","journal-title":"PLOS ONE"},{"key":"51375_CR52","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Champagne-Langabeer, T. et al. Evaluating the meditation practices and barriers to adopting mindful medicine among physicians. Am. J. Lifestyle Med. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/15598276251323850 (2025).","DOI":"10.1177\/15598276251323850"},{"key":"51375_CR53","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1839","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-022-01915-6","volume":"13","author":"GB Taylor","year":"2022","unstructured":"Taylor, G. B. et al. The adverse effects of meditation-interventions and mind\u2013body practices: a systematic review. Mindfulness 13, 1839\u20131856. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-022-01915-6 (2022).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR54","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Van Dam, N. T., Targett, J., Davies, J. N., Burger, A. & Galante, J. Incidence and predictors of meditation-related unusual experiences and adverse effects in a representative sample of meditators in the United States. Clin. Psychol. Sci. 21677026241298269. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/21677026241298269 (2025).","DOI":"10.1177\/21677026241298269"},{"key":"51375_CR55","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"920","DOI":"10.1089\/acm.2019.0206","volume":"25","author":"J Macinko","year":"2019","unstructured":"Macinko, J. & Upchurch, D. M. Factors Associated with the Use of Meditation, U.S. Adults 2017. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 25, 920\u2013927. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1089\/acm.2019.0206 (2019).","journal-title":"J. Altern. Complement. Med."},{"key":"51375_CR56","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Enticott, J. et al. Mental Health in Australia: Psychological Distress Reported in Six Consecutive Cross-Sectional National Surveys From 2001 to 2018. Front. Psychiatry. 13. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpsyt.2022.815904 (2022).","DOI":"10.3389\/fpsyt.2022.815904"},{"key":"51375_CR57","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"761","DOI":"10.1002\/hpm.2733","volume":"34","author":"L Corscadden","year":"2019","unstructured":"Corscadden, L., Callander, E. J. & Topp, S. M. Who experiences unmet need for mental health services and what other barriers to accessing health care do they face? Int. J. Health Plann. Manage. 34, 761\u2013772. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/hpm.2733 (2019).","journal-title":"Int. J. Health Plann. Manage."},{"key":"51375_CR58","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"220","DOI":"10.1186\/1472-6963-10-220","volume":"10","author":"RL Nahin","year":"2010","unstructured":"Nahin, R. L., Dahlhamer, J. M. & Stussman, B. J. Health need and the use of alternative medicine among adults who do not use conventional medicine. BMC Health Serv. Res. 10, 220. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/1472-6963-10-220 (2010).","journal-title":"BMC Health Serv. Res."},{"key":"51375_CR59","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"432","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-022-27247-y","volume":"13","author":"GW Fincham","year":"2023","unstructured":"Fincham, G. W., Strauss, C., Montero-Marin, J. & Cavanagh, K. Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Sci. Rep. 13, 432. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-022-27247-y (2023).","journal-title":"Sci. Rep."},{"key":"51375_CR60","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1612","DOI":"10.3390\/brainsci13121612","volume":"13","author":"TGK Bentley","year":"2023","unstructured":"Bentley, T. G. K. et al. Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Conceptual Framework of Implementation Guidelines Based on a Systematic Review of the Published Literature. Brain Sci. 13, 1612. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/brainsci13121612 (2023).","journal-title":"Brain Sci."},{"key":"51375_CR61","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"275","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-019-01250-3","volume":"11","author":"J Michalak","year":"2020","unstructured":"Michalak, J., Mander, J. & Heidenreich, T. Implementation and Dissemination of Mindfulness-Based Interventions. Mindfulness 11, 275\u2013278. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-019-01250-3 (2020).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR62","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Taylor, S. L., Dusek, J. A. & Elwy, A. R. Moving Integrative Health Research from Effectiveness to Widespread Dissemination. J. Altern. Compl. Med. 27 https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1089\/acm.2021.0080 (2021). S-1.","DOI":"10.1089\/acm.2021.0080"},{"key":"51375_CR63","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"622","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-024-02343-4","volume":"16","author":"J Galante","year":"2025","unstructured":"Galante, J. & Van Dam, N. T. Mind the Echo Chamber: Mindfulness as a Contemplative Practice That can Contribute to Public Health. Mindfulness 16, 622\u2013628. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-024-02343-4 (2025).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR64","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Matko, K., Ott, U. & Sedlmeier, P. What Do Meditators Do When They Meditate? Proposing a Novel Basis for Future Meditation Research. Mindfulness 12, 1791\u20131811. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-021-01641-5 (2021b).","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-021-01641-5"},{"key":"51375_CR65","unstructured":"Ospina, M. B. et al. Meditation practices for health: State of the research, in: Evidence Report\/Technology Assessment pp. 1\u2013263 (Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, 2007)."},{"key":"51375_CR66","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1275","DOI":"10.1080\/08870446.2020.1836178","volume":"36","author":"S Feruglio","year":"2021","unstructured":"Feruglio, S. et al. Differential effects of mindfulness meditation conditions on repetitive negative thinking and subjective time perspective: a randomized active-controlled study. Psychol. Health. 36, 1275\u20131298. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/08870446.2020.1836178 (2021).","journal-title":"Psychol. Health"},{"key":"51375_CR67","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-023-02248-8","author":"K Matko","year":"2023","unstructured":"Matko, K. & Sedlmeier, P. Which meditation technique for whom? An experimental single-case study comparing concentrative, humming, observing-thoughts, and walking meditation. Mindfulness https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-023-02248-8 (2023).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"},{"key":"51375_CR68","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"752","DOI":"10.1007\/s12671-025-02553-4","volume":"16","author":"D Oman","year":"2025","unstructured":"Oman, D. Reply: The PHIOMM Framework for Implementing Mindfulness in Public Health, With Groundwork. Mindfulness 16, 752\u2013782. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12671-025-02553-4 (2025).","journal-title":"Mindfulness"}],"container-title":["Scientific Reports"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-51375-4","content-type":"text\/html","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-51375-4.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-51375-4.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,7,20]],"date-time":"2026-07-20T23:33:01Z","timestamp":1784590381000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-51375-4"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,19]]},"references-count":68,"journal-issue":{"issue":"1","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,12]]}},"alternative-id":["51375"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-026-51375-4","relation":{},"ISSN":["2045-2322"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2045-2322","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,19]]},"assertion":[{"value":"3 November 2025","order":1,"name":"received","label":"Received","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"27 April 2026","order":2,"name":"accepted","label":"Accepted","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"19 May 2026","order":3,"name":"first_online","label":"First Online","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"The authors declare no competing interests.","order":1,"name":"Ethics","label":"Competing interests","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Declarations"}},{"value":"The study was approved by University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee (#23004).","order":2,"name":"Ethics","label":"<b>Ethics approval<\/b>","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Declarations"}},{"value":"All participants provided written informed consent.","order":3,"name":"Ethics","label":"<b>Informed consent<\/b>","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Declarations"}},{"value":"During the preparation of this work the authors used Spark AI, the University of Melbourne\u2019s internal platform, to summarise and rewrite parts of the manuscript. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the content of the published article.","order":4,"name":"Ethics","label":"AI statement","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Declarations"}}],"article-number":"22765"}}