The Effect of Meditation on Anxiety Among Young Adults
International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research April 30, 2025 DOI: 10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.43121 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractOver three months, college students who practiced Transcendental Meditation (TM) for 20 minutes twice daily showed a significant reduction in anxiety, with average GAD-7 scores dropping from 13.2 to 7.1. A control group receiving no intervention showed minimal change, from 12.9 to 12.4. The results suggest that regular TM practice can be an effective, low-cost tool for reducing anxiety in this population.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | College students |
| Intervention | Transcendental Meditation |
| Dose | 20 minutes, twice daily |
| Duration | Three-month intervention |
| Keywords | Psychology |
| Key finding | Transcendental Meditation significantly reduced anxiety scores among college students over three months compared to a no-intervention control group. |
Abstract
Anxiety is a growing concern among college students, often stemming from academic pressure, social stressors, and transitional life experiences. Traditional approaches to managing anxiety include therapy and medication, but non-pharmacological methods like meditation are gaining popularity due to their accessibility and holistic benefits. This study examines the effect of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on anxiety levels among college students over a three-month period. Sixty undergraduate students were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n=30) who practiced TM and a control group (n=30) who received no intervention. Participants in the experimental group were trained by certified TM instructors and practiced meditation for 20 minutes, twice daily. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale was used to assess anxiety levels at baseline and after the three-month intervention. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety scores in the TM group, with average GAD-7 scores decreasing from 13.2 to 7.1. In contrast, the control group exhibited minimal change, with scores decreasing slightly from 12.9 to 12.4. Statistical analysis using a paired-sample t-test confirmed the significance of the results (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that regular practice of Transcendental Meditation can be an effective tool for reducing anxiety among college students. Given the simplicity, affordability, and minimal risk associated with TM, it may serve as a practical addition to campus mental health programs. This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the integration of meditation-based practices into student wellness initiatives.