PhD student awarded poster prize at international conference

Congratulations to PhD candidate, Tim Wood, on receiving a poster presentation prize at the annual ISCR Conference.

Third-year PhD student, Tim Wood, received one of only three 2025 Outstanding Poster Presentation Awards for his presentation at the International Society for Contemplative Research Annual Conference, held in November at the University of North Carolina, USA. Tim's presentation showcased findings from his doctoral research on the intense experiences elicited by meditation that can impact meditators in ways they perceive as both helpful and harmful. Using a cross-sectional survey of 1,804 meditators, Tim found that while many reported adverse experiences (41%), most felt helped (94%) and not at all harmed (71%). Perceived harm was associated with adverse childhood experiences and psychological distress, with meditation retreats and personal meaning-making efforts associated with perceived help.