The effect of transcendental meditation on self-efficacy, perceived stress, and quality of life in mothers in Uganda.
Leslee Goldstein, Sanford Nidich, Rachel Goodman, David H. Goodman
Health care for women international July 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2018.1445254 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Single-blind controlled study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 81 |
| Population | Vulnerable women living in poverty in Uganda, primarily single, illiterate mothers |
| Intervention | Transcendental Meditation |
| Dose | 20 minutes twice a day |
| Duration | 3-month intervention, with follow-up questionnaires at 8 months and 36 months |
| Measures | General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, Medical Outcomes Survey (MOS, HIV version) subscales |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Transcendental Meditation practice led to significant improvements in self-efficacy, perceived stress, and mental and physical quality of life compared to a wait-list control group. |
Abstract
Vulnerable women living in poverty in Uganda, who are primarily single, illiterate mothers, face high levels of physical and psychological stress. Our study assessed the impact of the Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) technique on self-efficacy, perceived stress, and mental and physical quality of life of these women. This single-blind controlled study involved 81 women who were assigned to either practice of the Transcendental Meditation program (n = 42) or wait-list (delayed start) control group (n = 39). Participants learned the Transcendental Meditation program over five sessions, then practiced at home for 20 minutes twice a day, and attended twice monthly group meetings over a 3-month period. The primary outcome measure was self-efficacy using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Perceived stress using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, and physical and mental quality of life using subscales of the Medical Outcomes Survey (MOS, HIV version) were secondary outcome measures. Significant improvements were shown in self-efficacy (p < .001), perceived stress (p < .010), and mental and physical well-being (p < .010). Compliance with TM home practice was >88%. This is the first controlled study to demonstrate the effect of TM in the daily lives of mothers living in impoverished conditions. Further questionnaires were administered to participants at 8 months and at 36 months with questions about changes they may have experienced in their daily life since starting TM. "Yes," "No" self-reported answers suggested that the women experienced improved health, improved relationships with others, and increased employment rates. These findings taken as a whole have important implications for developing self-efficacy, improving mental and physical quality of life, and reducing stress in the lives of these vulnerable women.
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
Cited by 15
- Short-term effect of internet-delivered mindfulness-based stress reduction on mental health, self-efficacy, and body image among women with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic Frontiers in Psychology October 25, 2022
- 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
- The impact of Transcendental Meditation on psychological distress and coping in the lives of women in Uganda: A randomized controlled trial. Health care for women international February 5, 2026
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Transcendental Meditation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) April 3, 2025
- Engagement With Meditation Apps: Cross-Sectional Survey of Use and Associations. Journal of Medical Internet Research February 2, 2026
and 10 more in the library
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- Effect of Transcendental Meditation on Employee Stress, Depression, and Burnout: A Randomized Controlled Study The Permanente Journal January 30, 2014
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and 13 more in the library