Prof. Christine Whelan recently received a Templeton-Cambridge Journalism Fellowship to study the intersection of science and religion at Cambridge University—and has received national media attention for her findings. Expanding on her research on religious self-help books in the United States, she explored the role of Buddhist mindfulness techniques in modern psychology. Can mastering ancient meditations really help you manage your anger, improve your relationships and lose weight along the way?

In a Washington Post Health Section feature (“It Isn’t About the Trash Can,” Nov. 11) Dr. Whelan writes that while Western medicine separates religion and science, Buddhists see mindfulness – the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, non-judgmentally – as both a spiritual and psychological force.

“Researchers at major universities are exploring the benefits of Buddhist mindfulness techniques to help families increase feelings of closeness and decrease relationship stress - and the results are promising. Just as the latest Hollywood incarnation of the Incredible Hulk keeps his green-hot anger under control with daily meditations, so some people are learning to manage emotions in their interpersonal relationships,” she writes.

In a USA Today “On Religion” feature (“Pass on the Pie—and the Heavenly Guilt,” Nov. 24) Dr. Whelan explores the growing interest in religiously based weight loss. She notes that religion can be the ultimate trump card of many behavior modification programs: For a believer, fear of offending your creator is a powerful force in overcoming the urge to make the short-sighted choice of a burger and fries instead of that leafy salad with light dressing. And while Christian groups have been involved in the diet wars for decades, it’s Buddhist mindfulness-inspired weight-loss programs that are gaining the most traction in academic circles.

Mindfulness weight-loss seminars incorporate meditation, forgiveness and inner-searching exercises into the eating process. Participants are taught to do “mini-meditations” several times a day, and, before eating, to consider the difference between actual hunger and a signal of boredom, anxiety or other psychological trigger, Dr. Whelan writes.

This research has been covered by Iowa Public Radio and KCRG news as well.

Prof. Whelan