Learning more about personality, identity, meditation, consciousness.Research on the motivational factors to join meditation in different culturesAbstractCurrently, research on meditation focuses mainly on its neuropsychological long-term effects. The present study further contributes to this understanding through a cross-cultural assessment of the motivational elements that lead people to practice meditation. Participants were recruited from a western, individualized, and secularized society (The Netherlands, N=17, aged 21-33), and from an eastern, collectivistic, and highly religious society (Bali, Indonesia, N=21, aged 18-38). A qualitative research paradigm was followed through the use of semi-structured interviews and content analysis. The results indicate motivational factors that are similar in both cultures: meditation seems to be a tool for achieving certain individual goals. The data suggests that meditation is looked upon as a mental technique rather than a spiritual activity even within the religious context. The main motivations to practice meditation in both cultures are: control, self-transformation, and recreation. The definition of these aims and their emphasis are culturally dependent and differ between the countries. In Indonesia the emphasis is on a collectivistic orientation (e.g. control of emotions) whereas in the Netherlands a more individualistic point of view (e.g. recreation) becomes obvious. In both cultures, meditation serves the same psychological function: as a relaxation method to enter deeper states of consciousness and to control their emotional states. Behind this self-centered motive, in the Indonesian as well as Dutch sample, there may also be a social motive, directed towards increased level of empathy.Specialties: Teaching. Learning. Discussing.