Study Shows Mindfulness Meditation Can Reduce Information Avoidance

When it comes to starting a meditation practice, the payoff is unique to each individual who practices. Some people feel less anxious on the days they meditate, for instance, while others more motivated. Some people sleep better; others feel more energized. 

Earlier this year, researchers conducted a field study where 261 participants were split into two groups in order to test how mindfulness influences something called "information avoidance."

As neuroscience expert and founder of BrainTap Patrick Porter, Ph.D., explains to mindbodygreen, information avoidance is the act of "intentionally steering clear of information that could be useful or critical to you, simply because it might be unpleasant, inconvenient, or distressing."

(Think not checking your bank account after vacation, or leaving a message unopened in fear of what you may read.)

In the study, the control group listened to relaxing music for 15 minutes a day for two weeks. Meanwhile, the treatment group listened to guided mindfulness meditations for the same duration.

To assess the participants' level of information avoidance, the researchers used the Information Preference Scale (IPS), a 13-item scale that measures an individual's willingness to receive information that might cause worry or regret, in a series of 13 hypothetical scenarios.

Mindfulness meditation didn't just reduce information avoidance—researchers also called out emotional regulation as another benefit of the practice. This isn't necessarily a new finding in the realm of meditation but is still an important piece of the puzzle in terms of current research. 

Porter describes emotional regulation as "the rudder to your emotional ship." For instance, he explains, "It shows up when we manage to stay calm in a traffic jam or when we hold our composure during a challenging meeting at work." 

Findings aside, it's important to understand why mindfulness meditation works so well. 

"When practicing mindfulness, you're in a state of active, open attention on the present," Porter notes, adding, "This allows you to observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them as good or bad and without reacting to them impulsively."

This doesn't necessarily happen right away for everyone, but you can strengthen your mindfulness muscles with daily practice. As the study shows, it doesn't take too long to begin seeing benefits. 

As a result, you learn to manage and process your emotions without being overwhelmed by them, Porter says.