Effects of the Transcendental Meditation Program on Substance Use among University Students.
David A F Haaga, Sarina Grosswald, Carolyn Gaylord-King, Maxwell Rainforth, Melissa Tanner, Fred Travis, Sanford Nidich, Robert H Schneider
Cardiology research and practice March 21, 2011 DOI: 10.4061/2011/537101 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA randomized trial with 295 university students found that Transcendental Meditation instruction reduced alcohol use among male students but not female students, compared to a wait-list control group. No significant differences were observed for smoking or illicit drug use. The authors suggest TM instruction could help reduce alcohol consumption in male university students.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 295 |
| Population | University students |
| Duration | 3-month follow-up |
| Key finding | Transcendental Meditation instruction lowered alcohol use among male but not female university students. |
Abstract
A randomized wait-list controlled trial (N = 295 university students) of the effects of the Transcendental Meditation program was conducted in an urban setting. Substance use was assessed by self-report at baseline and 3 months later. For smoking and illicit drug use, there were no significant differences between conditions. For alcohol use, sex X intervention condition interactions were significant; TM instruction lowered drinking rates among male but not female students. TM instruction could play a valuable role in reducing alcohol use among male university students. Limitations are noted, along with suggestions for further research.