Meditation and college students' self-actualization and rated stress.
J J Janowiak, R Hackman
Psychological Reports October 1, 1994 DOI: 10.2466/pr0.1994.75.2.1007 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 62 |
| Population | College students |
| Intervention | Mantra meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Both mantra meditation and yogic relaxation increased self-actualization similarly, but meditation produced larger gains in relaxed behavior. |
Abstract
This paper concerns the efficacy of meditation and relaxation in promoting self-actualization and changes in self-reported stress among 62 college students. Two groups were given mantra meditation and a yogic relaxation technique referred to as Shavasana. Pre- and posttest measures were taken on the Personal Orientation Inventory and the Behavioral Relaxation Scale. Both groups showed significant increases in scores on self-actualization; however, no differences were found between groups. Meditation training was associated with larger gains in scores on measures of systematic relaxed behavior than of the relaxation training.
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 5
- The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin May 14, 2012
- Collage as a Method of Inquiry for University Women Practicing Mahavakyam Meditation: Ameliorating the Effects of Stress, Anxiety, and Sadness Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work Social Thought July 3, 2014
- Impact of meditation-only interventions on university students' resilience: A pairwise and network meta-analysis of randomised actively and passively controlled trials. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being June 1, 2026
- The Relationship Between Focused Attention Meditation Practice Habits, Psychological Symptoms, and Quality of Life. Journal of Religion and Health December 2016
- Examining the Effects of Meditation Techniques on Psychosocial Functioning Research on Social Work Practice 2003