TM reduces psychological distress among learners
A new study published in the Journal of Instructional Psychology found that Transcendental Meditation significantly decreased psychological distress in high-school learners by 36 percent over 4 months compared to the control group (the group that did not learn TM). The study also found significant decreases in trait anxiety and depressive symptoms. Full story.
The study was conducted in California, with learners from ethnic minorities (in the USA this tends to mean lower-income families).
Recent studies among learners have also found significant reductions in ADHD.
36 percent reduction in psychological distress over a period of 4 months in 106 students practising TM, compared to non-meditators (p=.010)
Reports from South African schools that have introduced Transcendental Meditation show improved attendance at school, fewer interruptions to classes, better behaviour, and a more settled atmosphere in the school. One deputy headmaster wrote that the school had become completely transformed since the Transcendental Meditation / Quiet Time programme had been introduced.
Another study published earlier this year in the US journal Education, conducted on a similar population group, recorded a dramatic improvement in results in English and maths, especially among low-performing learners.This study too is of profound relevance to South Africa, where the main focus of the Ministry of Basic Education is to improve
these maths and language skills, especially among learners from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. See news post.
For more information about Transcendental Meditation in South Africa’s schools, visit www.cbesa.org
More research on Transcendental Meditation in education.
To find out where to learn Transcendental Meditation, click here.