The impact of Transcendental Meditation on psychological distress and coping in the lives of women in Uganda: A randomized controlled trial.
Leslee Goldstein, Daniela Romagnoli, Sanford Nidich
Health care for women international February 5, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2025.2611927 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 199 |
| Population | Women living in poverty in Uganda |
| Intervention | Transcendental Meditation |
| Dose | 20 minutes twice a day |
| Duration | 3-month intervention, 8-month follow-up |
| Measures | Perceived Stress Scale, self-efficacy, anger, anxiety, fatigue, sleep, resilience |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Transcendental Meditation significantly reduced perceived stress, anger, and fatigue, and improved self-efficacy and sleep quality in women living in poverty in Uganda. |
Abstract
In this randomized controlled trial with women living in poverty in Uganda (n = 199) we explored the impact of Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) on perceived stress-the primary outcome measure, and self-efficacy, anger, anxiety, fatigue, sleep, and resilience as secondary measures. After baseline testing participants were randomly assigned to either practice of TM or to a waitlist control group. Participants learned TM over five consecutive days and then practiced at home for 20 -minutes twice a day. Post testing took place after three months. A significant reduction was found in perceived stress, anger, and fatigue, and a significant improvement in self-efficacy and sleep quality. In a follow-up questionnaire at eight months, participants reported improved physical and mental health, increased ability to handle domestic violence, and improved relationships. Results indicate the TM program has a positive impact on psychological distress and coping and could add value to programs for women in Uganda.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 16
- Physiological Effects of Transcendental Meditation Science March 27, 1970
- Effects of the Transcendental Meditation Technique on Trait Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine October 9, 2013
- Effect of Transcendental Meditation on Employee Stress, Depression, and Burnout: A Randomized Controlled Study The Permanente Journal January 30, 2014
- Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in Adolescents and Adults through the Transcendental Meditation® Program: A Research Review Update Current Hypertension Reviews October 1, 2012
- The effect of Transcendental Meditation on self-esteem, self-efficacy, and gratitude, for increasing empowerment of female youth in Uganda. Health care for women international 2024
and 11 more in the library