A quasi-experimental mixed methods study of self-esteem and sense of self in Peruvian primary school students who meditate

Abstract

Self-esteem and a strong sense of self are reliable predictors of health and longevity. Transcendental Meditation develops both self-esteem and an empowered sense of self. Our research program in Peru has focused on quantitative and qualitative variables in students, teachers, parents, orphans and carers, and other mostly indigenous people. However, it has yet to investigate self-esteem or sense of self. The present mixed methods study therefore explores the impact of Transcendental Meditation on self-esteem in primary school students in Peru. Wee found a significant difference between the pretest and posttest self-esteem scores of students who meditate. We also found the proportion of students rated as having ‘high’ self-esteem increased from 38% to 54% after three months of meditation practise, a 43% increase. The study concurrently elicited self-reported qualia and identified a range of benefits from meditation practice. These qualia were triangulated to examine the convergence of evidence, which suggests an impact on sense of self.