Meditation in Germany: A Nationally Representative Survey

Abstract

Background: Increasing evidence suggests positive effects of meditation on mental and physical conditions. The aim of this nationally representative survey was to analyze prevalence and patterns of meditation use in Germany. Methods: In this nationally representative survey with 2,126 participants of at least 14 years of age conducted from April to May 2018, current and prior meditation use was assessed. Differences between sociodemographic subgroups were analyzed using chi squared tests. Results: Lifetime prevalence of meditation use was 15.1%, point prevalence 6.6%. Higher prevalence was associated with female gender (p < 0.001), age 20-59 years (p = 0.015), higher education (p = 0.002), and occupation (p = 0.027). Mean duration of meditation use was 47.1 months. The main reasons for meditation use were improved mental well-being (71.1%), mental capacity (50.3%), and (for regular meditation users) also physical well-being (50.3%). Positive changes due to meditation were reported by 95.8% of meditation users, mainly increased inner calmness, relaxation, and well-being. Another 12.4% of those who were not currently meditating could imagine starting meditation in the next 12 months. Further, 5.6% of participants used yoga; 46.6% of yoga users also used meditation; and 36.0% of meditation users also used yoga. Conclusions: An estimated 15.7 million German individuals are currently using meditation or are at least interested in starting to meditate. More than 95% of meditation users report positive changes due to meditation.