The effect of transcendental meditation on self-efficacy, perceived stress, and quality of life in mothers in Uganda.
Health care for women international July 1, 2018 Leslee Goldstein, Sanford Nidich, Rachel Goodman et al.
Vulnerable women in Uganda who are single, illiterate mothers living in poverty experience high physical and psychological stress. A single-blind controlled study assigned 81 women to either practice the Transcendental Meditation program or a wait-list control group. The meditation group learned the technique over five sessions, then practiced at home for 20 minutes twice daily and attended bi-monthly group meetings for three months. Self-efficacy improved significantly, as did perceived stress and mental and physical well-being. Compliance with home practice was over 88%. Follow-up questionnaires at 8 and 36 months suggested improved health, relationships, and employment rates among the women who meditated.