Why some people love meditation - and others don’t: The personality factor in yoga practice

If you’ve ever started a meditation routine with the best intentions, only to find yourself drifting away after a few weeks, you’re not alone. As yoga practitioners, we hear all the time about the benefits of meditation for calming the mind, easing anxiety, and deepening self-awareness. But the truth is, not everyone finds meditation easy or even effective - and science is starting to explain why.

A fascinating study from the late 1970s explored what kind of person actually sticks with meditation, and who gets the most out of it. In this research, 100 anxious college students were split into two groups: one learned Transcendental Meditation (TM), a classic mantra-based technique, while the other practiced something called Periodic Somatic Inactivity (PSI) - essentially, sitting quietly with eyes closed, but without meditating. Both groups received the same structure, support, and encouragement. Yet, after six months, only about half of the participants in each group were still practicing. That’s a huge dropout rate, but it’s not unusual - many people who try meditation or yoga-based mindfulness don’t keep it up. So what separated those who stuck with it from those who didn’t?

The study revealed that people who continued with meditation - and saw the biggest drops in anxiety - shared some interesting personality traits. They tended to be introverted and reserved, the kind of folks who are comfortable spending time in their own heads. They were imaginative, absorbed in their inner world, and enjoyed thinking deeply. These meditators often hadn’t even considered psychotherapy before; they were more likely to turn inward for solutions rather than seek help from others. On the other hand, people who dropped out of meditation tended to have more psychological struggles and were less self-critical. It wasn’t that they were less anxious, but they were less likely to reflect on their own behavior or stick with a challenging new habit.

Interestingly, the group that just sat quietly without meditating also saw some anxiety relief, but the personality traits tied to their success were different. This suggests that the structure and expectation of a wellness practice - whether it’s meditation, mindful sitting, or even a yoga class - can be healing in itself, but different people are drawn to different practices.

This research introduces a groundbreaking perspective: the effectiveness of meditation (and similar wellness practices) is not universal, but depends strongly on the personality traits of the practitioner. The “personality fit” principle suggests that the benefits of meditation, and even the likelihood of sticking with a practice, are closely tied to individual psychological makeup - specifically, traits like introversion, imagination, and a preference for inner experience.

Most research and popular discourse ask, “Does meditation work?” But a more useful question might be, “For whom does meditation work best, and why?” This shift in perspective is a significant leap forward for both scientific understanding and practical application in yoga and wellness. The findings imply that yoga and meditation programs could be more effective if tailored to different personality types. For example, highly imaginative introverts may thrive with traditional meditation, while extroverts or those less comfortable with introspection might benefit more from movement-based or externally-focused practices.

The reason or rationale given for a practice - even a placebo-like control - can also influence its effectiveness, depending on the individual’s personality. This opens up new ways to design wellness interventions that are both credible and appealing to different people. By showing that there’s little overlap in the traits predicting success for meditation versus a control practice, these findings challenge the idea that any single wellness technique can be universally effective.

Looking ahead, this “personality fit” approach could inspire yoga studios, wellness coaches, and researchers to develop quick personality assessments to help guide students to the most suitable mindfulness or yoga practice. There’s potential to create new hybrid practices that blend meditation, movement, and other modalities to suit a broader range of temperaments. Further research could refine which traits predict success with various wellness techniques, moving toward truly personalized self-care.

Ultimately, the key to successful meditation and yoga may lie in matching the practice to the person, not just the problem. This novel idea lays the foundation for a more nuanced, individualized approach to wellness that honors the diversity of human personality.

So, what does this mean for you as a yoga enthusiast? It’s important to know that meditation isn’t a magic bullet for everyone. If you’re naturally introspective and imaginative, you might find meditation feels like coming home. If you’re more extroverted or action-oriented, you might find your peace through movement, breathwork, or other forms of mindful activity. If you’ve struggled with meditation, it’s not a personal failing. It just means your temperament might be better suited to other forms of yoga or mindfulness. And if you’re a yoga teacher or wellness coach, this research is a reminder to personalize your recommendations - encourage your students to explore and find what truly resonates with them.

The big takeaway? The best wellness practice is the one that fits your personality and feels sustainable in your life. Whether you’re a daydreamer who loves to meditate, or someone who finds their zen on the mat or in nature, honor your unique path. Yoga and mindfulness are about self-discovery, not self-judgment.

Tips for yoga practitioners:

Match Mindfulness to Your Temperament If you’re introverted and introspective, try mantra or breath-focused meditation - these suit inner exploration.

Don’t Force Meditation - Try Alternatives If meditation doesn’t stick, choose movement-based yoga, breathwork, or mindful relaxation. Different personalities benefit from different practices.

Be Honest About Motivation Reflect on why you practice and your challenges. If you drift, adjust or try something new - self-awareness helps sustain a routine.

Inspired by the research of J.C. Smith, Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 1978

doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.46.2.272