Psychological Determinants of Mental and Physical Wellbeing in Participants of Personal Development Groups

Practitioners of Transcendental Meditation reported the highest levels of wellbeing, life satisfaction, and self-esteem compared to those practicing Buddhist meditation, mindfulness, Zen Buddhist meditation, or neuro-linguistic programming. The study of 399 people (187 Europeans, 138 Americans, and 74 from other countries) also found statistically significant advantages for Transcendental Meditation in reducing recurring headaches, pain and tension, chest and heart pain, breathlessness, heart palpitations, and fatigue.

Study at a glance

Abstract

International studies conducted around the world have considered important human traits such as wellbeing and self-esteem. The present study seeks to add further insight to that body of understanding. The research group consisted of 399 people—187 Europeans, 138 Americans, and 74 people from other countries. Participants were assigned to five personal development study groups, engaged in one or other of the following practices or programs: Buddhist meditation, Transcendental Meditation, mindfulness, Zen Buddhist meditation, or neuro-linguistic programing (NLP). The purpose of the present study was to examine the level of self-esteem, life satisfaction, and mental, physical and emotional wellbeing according to the type of personal development training they received and practised. Findings suggest practitioners of Transcendental Meditation had the highest levels of wellbeing, life satisfaction and self-esteem. Statistically significant inter-group differences in favour of Transcendental Meditation were also observed for measures such as recurring headaches, pain and tension, chest and heart pain, breathlessness, heart palpitations and fatigue.