Neurobiology, Meditation, Unification Church, Korea, Legal
Cambridge University Press: Evaluating evidence behind popular trauma narratives: neurobiological and treatment claims in The Body Keeps the Score
"Bessel van der Kolk's book The Body Keeps the Score has maintained exceptional cultural and clinical influence since its publication in 2014, remaining a best-seller and shaping public discourse on trauma. Its central claims – that trauma causes lasting neurobiological damage and that body-based treatments are uniquely effective – have been widely embraced but seldom subjected to systematic critical evaluation in peer-reviewed literature. This commentary synthesises the evidentiary basis for these claims as a counterweight to an influential narrative. It situates these findings within broader discussions of neuroscience framing, cultural appeal, and evidence-based communication, underscoring the need for rigorous, balanced engagement with widely disseminated mental health narratives."
Meditation is widely praised for its mental health benefits, but new research shows that it can also produce unexpected side effects for some people—from anxiety and dissociation to functional impairment. Psychologist Nicholas Van Dam and his team found that nearly 60% of meditators experienced some kind of effect, and about a third found them distressing.
" ... The results showed that nearly 60% of U.S. meditators reported at least one side effect listed on the checklist (for example, feeling anxious or disembodied). About 30% said they experienced effects that were challenging or distressing, and 9% reported that these effects caused functional impairment.
The study also identified several potential risk factors. Individuals who had experienced mental health symptoms or psychological distress within the 30 days before meditating were more likely to report adverse effects. Those who attended intensive residential retreats, which often involve long periods of silent meditation, were also more likely to experience functional impairment.
Van Dam noted that more research is needed to determine cause and effect. A prospective longitudinal study, he said, would help clarify how mental health and meditation interact over time."
"Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, was temporarily released on Tuesday from a South Korean jail on medical grounds after a court ruling, a court spokesperson and a church official said.
Han has been accused of directing the church to bribe former First Lady Kim Keon Hee for favours for the church's business interests. She has denied the allegations, calling them "false information".
Han will be freed from jail until 4 p.m. (0700 GMT) on Friday, the Seoul Central District Court said in a text message.
Han's lawyer had requested her temporary release for medical reasons, a spokesperson at the church said, without elaborating.
The court said Han would be required to stay at a hospital designated by the court.
She will be prohibited from meeting or contacting anyone related to the case, except for her lawyers, the court said."
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