Group Meditative Inquiry — Exploring Consciousness & Wellbeing in the Age of AI

Participant Information

About the study

This doctoral research project explores the interrelationship between consciousness and wellbeing in the context of rapid developments in AI.

This study within the project is exploring how meditation and reflective group dialogue may support individual and collective wellbeing at this time of major global challenges and tech advancements.

Research suggests that contemplative practices can help to access deeper insight and experience a greater sense of connection with oneself and others.

In these sessions, we slow down together. Through a guided, small-group dialogue, participants are guided to pay attention to their lived experience in real time and notice what emerges through shared presence and deep listening.

The study explores whether this kind of collective reflection supports wellbeing and new ways of understanding the challenges we face.

Please note: this is an exploratory research study, not therapy or coaching. Some prior experience with meditation or mind–body practices is required.

Main aims

Explore participants' experience during structured meditative group dialogue, including shifts in awareness, emotions and connection
Examine how shared presence and reflective listening shape interpersonal dynamics and collective understanding within the group
Investigate meditative dialogue as a method for addressing and making sense of complex challenges, and supporting collective reflection
Contribute to research on the relationship between conscious awareness and wellbeing at both individual and group levels

Taking part

What's involved?

One online group session

Participate in one small-group session on MS Teams (60–75 minutes).

A guided arc

The session includes an introduction, a short guided meditation, followed by open facilitated dialogue on the topic of collective wellbeing.

A brief survey

A short anonymous post-session survey to reflect on your personal experience (3–5 minutes).

Entirely voluntary

Participation is entirely voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.

Before joining, please also read the Group Session Guide.

In detail

Benefits, risks and your rights

Possible benefits of participation

While this study is exploratory and does not aim to deliver a specific therapeutic outcome, participants may experience one or more of the following benefits:

Time and space to slow down and release unconsciously held stress / tension
Increased self-awareness and understanding of personal patterns that may be influencing your state of being
Experience a quality of social connection accessible through reflective, attentive dialogue grounded in presence and deep listening
Experience a shift in perception regarding current global challenges that may be supportive of personal wellbeing
Contribute to a deepening understanding of the interrelationship between consciousness, wellbeing and AI

Any of these benefits are not guaranteed and experiences may vary between participants.

Potential risks or discomforts

Participation in this study involves an open-ended and exploratory form of inquiry. As such, the experiences and themes that arise within the group cannot be predicted in advance. Potential risks or discomforts which are unlikely but may possibly arise include:

Encountering themes or experiences that feel emotionally challenging or unfamiliar
Feelings of vulnerability that may arise when engaging in a group setting, particularly when sharing personal experiences or reflections. Participants are always free to refrain from sharing or to step back from participation at any time
Temporary physical or emotional discomfort can sometimes arise in meditative settings. While such experiences may foster presence or insight, they may also require personal integration following the session

Support will be available during the session to help maintain a safe and contained group. It is important to note that this research does not include the provision of therapeutic support or follow-up care after the session has concluded. Participants are advised to seek any additional support they may require after the session to process emotions or insights that arise. Guidance on self-care is provided in the Session Guide.

Very important: if you have any physical or mental health concerns that may impact your ability to participate safely in a meditative group setting, please discuss this with the researcher prior to signing up.

Voluntary participation and right to withdraw

Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You are free to decline to take part or to withdraw from the session at any time, without providing a reason and without any negative consequences.

Sessions are recorded; it is at your discretion whether you choose to use the video or not. Only the audio files are saved to be transcribed and then deleted
You may request your data be withdrawn from the study up until the point of data analysis — typically 10 days after the session
Please note, all data is anonymised and any identifiers are removed

Data & privacy

What happens to your data?

Your email address is collected at sign-up in order to send session access details. Once this communication is complete, your email is deleted
Audio recordings are for transcription and thematic analysis only
Your voice may be personally identifiable, but transcripts will be anonymised and identifying details removed
Raw audio recordings will be securely stored on University of Limerick OneDrive and deleted after 2 months
Anonymised transcripts will be stored on UL OneDrive for 7 years in accordance with University data retention policy — after this time all files will be deleted
Thematic findings may be shared in research publications, academic presentations and relevant conferences. Participant identity will not be revealed

Full details are outlined in the Research Privacy Notice in the sign-up process.

Confidentiality

Although anonymity cannot be fully guaranteed in group settings, the following measures aim to protect participant confidentiality:

You are encouraged not to share identifying personal information during the session such as your full name — only first name is advisable
Participants are requested not to discuss or disclose any of the session content outside the group and to respect the anonymity of other group members
Data will be stored securely with access limited to the research team. All procedures comply with the UL Data Protection Policy and GDPR

Practicalities

Common questions

When are the sessions?

On completion of the participant sign-up form you can specify your preferred availability. Session times may change to accommodate international access. You will be emailed the MS Teams session link of your elected session. Each participant only joins one session.

Who else is taking part?

The invitation to participate is extended among communities and networks of meditators and individuals with an interest in consciousness and collective wellbeing. Participants will be from diverse age ranges, gender and ethnic backgrounds.

What if something goes wrong?

In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, or there is an unexpected health and safety incident, the group dialogue will cease and appropriate actions taken to safeguard participant wellbeing.

What if I have more questions?

If you are curious to know more or do not understand any aspect of the research, please contact the Investigator, Sarah Keane, to discuss any questions that you might have (contact details below). It is paramount you feel your needs are respected throughout the duration of the session.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information sheet.

Click Here to Participate

Contact & ethics

Research team

Project Investigator

Sarah Keane
Tel: (087) 144 5428
Email: 9921257@studentmail.ul.ie

Principal Investigator

Ciarán MacDonncha
PESS Dept., University of Limerick
Tel: +353-61-213162
Email: ciaran.macdonncha@ul.ie

Independent contact

If you have any concerns about this study and wish to contact someone independent:
Chair, Education and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, EHS Faculty Office, University of Limerick. Tel: (061) 234101

This research study has received ethics approval from the Education and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, University of Limerick.