The Brexit referendum, a defining political event in recent British history, has fostered deep divisions and emotional animosity between those who supported leaving the European Union (Leavers) and those who supported remaining (Remainers). In the realm of polarized politics, people often find it challenging to relate to the 'other side', leading to entrenched views and, sometimes, outright hostility. But could something as simple as a brief meditation technique help bridge this chasm? A recent study titled "Bridging the (Brexit) divide: Effects of a brief befriending meditation on affective polarization", suggests it might.
The study, conducted by a team of researchers from various institutions, including the University of Oxford and the University of Wisconsin—Madison, sought to determine whether a short befriending meditation could reduce affective polarization—a term describing the extent to which individuals feel animosity towards those belonging to opposing political groups—among British adults. Previous research indicated that such meditations had success in the U.S. context, reducing polarization between Democrats and Republicans. But could similar positive effects be observed in the contentious Brexit context?
To provide context, affective polarization is not merely a British phenomenon but a global issue. Studies have shown that affective polarization leads to increased societal divisions, reduced trust, and even impacts personal relationships and business dealings. In the U.S., the rise of affective polarization has mirrored increased political gridlock and societal stress. Finding techniques to alleviate these feelings is therefore of paramount importance for fostering a more cohesive society.
The researchers employed a post-test only randomized controlled design engaging 922 participants who were identified as either Leavers or Remainers. Participants were randomly assigned to either a short bout of befriending meditation or an attentional control condition. The findings showed that those in the befriending meditation condition exhibited modestly lower levels of affective polarization compared to those in the control group. This suggests that even a brief intervention can have a positive impact on reducing political animosity.
A befriending meditation typically involves focusing attention on generating feelings of goodwill and kindness towards oneself and others, including those with whom one might disagree politically. This approach differs from other forms of meditation, such as mindfulness, which generally emphasizes non-judgmental awareness of the present moment.
The meditation used in this study was particularly brief—just ten minutes long—yet it yielded significant results. As the lead researcher Otto Simonsson noted, "Our findings indicate that a short session of befriending meditation can reduce affective polarization by increasing the perception of commonality with the political outgroup." In other words, participants began to see more similarities than differences with their political opponents.
Prior to diving into the methods and findings, it's crucial to understand why meditation could affect political sentiments. Meditation practices, especially those focusing on compassion and empathy, have been linked with increased emotional regulation and reduced implicit biases. These mental exercises help individuals manage their emotional responses to conflict and decrease negative associations with different social groups.
The historical roots of meditation span centuries, with practices embedded in various religious and philosophical traditions. In recent years, scientific interest in meditation has surged, driven by its proposed benefits for mental health, physical well-being, and now, social harmony. Meditation apps and wellness programs have popularized these practices, making them more accessible to the general public.
In the study, the befriending meditation required participants to visualize a series of individuals, starting with a loved one and gradually extending kindness to themselves, a neutral person, a difficult person, and eventually all beings. This structured approach ensured that the practice was comprehensive yet concise enough to be performed within a limited timeframe.
The participant selection was meticulously planned to ensure a representative sample of the British electorate. Surveys and screening questions confirmed participants' political affiliations, ensuring a balanced representation of both Leavers and Remainers. Data collection took place online, leveraging digital platforms to reach a broad demographic.
Analysis of the data employed statistical techniques to compare the levels of affective polarization between the two groups. The researchers found that the befriending meditation group had a statistically significant reduction in affective polarization compared to the control group. Specifically, scores indicated an increase in perceived commonality with the political outgroup, which mediated the reduction in polarization (Figure 1 shows the mediation analysis).
Breaking down these findings further, the researchers noted that perceived commonality increased more in the meditation group (M = 3.78, SD = 1.71) than in the control group (M = 3.39, SD = 1.62). Importantly, nobody in the study reported extreme scores that would suggest outliers skewing the data, lending robustness to the results.
However, the study wasn't without its limitations. As the authors acknowledged, the reliance on self-reported data introduces potential biases, such as participants altering responses to align with perceived expectations. Additionally, the short-term nature of the study means that we don't yet understand the long-term effects of befriending meditation on affective polarization.
Despite these limitations, the findings are promising. Audio-guided befriending practices appear to be a highly scalable means of reducing affective polarization. The simplicity and accessibility of the meditation make it an attractive intervention in politically divided societies. Imagine a future where individuals can turn to a brief meditation not only for personal peace but also as a tool for fostering political harmony.
Future research directions are plentiful. One path could involve exploring whether repeated sessions of befriending meditation amplify the observed effects. Researchers may also study the impact of these meditative practices on other forms of polarization, such as social or ethnic divides. Incorporating behavioral measures alongside self-reports could provide a more comprehensive understanding of meditation's impact.
Interestingly, the study also leaves room for integrating technological advancements, such as virtual reality, to enhance the experience of meditative practices. Imagine donning a VR headset and entering a realm where you virtually interact with avatars representing differing viewpoints, guided by befriending meditation principles. This could offer an immersive way to cultivate empathy and reduce polarization.
As society grapples with increasing divisions, the application of ancient practices like befriending meditation in modern contexts offers a bridge towards unity. While the political landscape may remain contentious, the ability to find common ground and reduce animosity becomes indispensable. The next time you feel a surge of political frustration, perhaps a few minutes of befriending meditation could make a world of difference.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the potential of befriending meditation to serve as a balm for political animosity. While initial findings are modest, they pave the way for larger-scale implementations and underscore the value of integrating contemplative practices into efforts to foster societal cohesion. As the fields of psychology and political science continue to explore these intersections, we may discover more tools to heal our divided communities.
