Effects of Natural Stress Relief Meditation on Trait Anxiety: A Pilot Study
Psychological Reports August 1, 2007 DOI: 10.2466/pr0.101.1.130-134 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA meditation technique practiced for 15 minutes twice daily reduced trait anxiety in 25 participants over two weeks. Trait anxiety scores did not change significantly before starting the practice, but decreased significantly after one week (Cohen's d = .46) and after two weeks (Cohen's d = .67) of regular practice.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Within-subjects repeated measures Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 25 |
| Population | Participants who practiced Natural Stress Relief meditation |
| Intervention | Natural Stress Relief meditation |
| Dose | 15 minutes twice a day |
| Duration | 3-week period with 2 weeks of practice |
| Key finding | Trait anxiety scores decreased significantly after one and two weeks of twice-daily 15-minute meditation sessions. |
Abstract
Natural Stress Relief meditation, a mental technique which is practiced for 15 minutes twice a day, aims to reduce stress and anxiety by eliciting a specific state of physiological rest along with mental alertness. The meditation is taught in a self-administered program, requiring one hour of training during the first three days, followed by the regular twice daily practice. Each 15-min. session consists in sitting quietly with closed eyes while applying a specific mental procedure. To test the effectiveness of meditation in reducing trait anxiety, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was administered to 25 participants four times over a 3-wk. period: one week before starting to practice the meditation, a few hours before starting, 1 wk. after, and 2 wk. after. The difference in Trait Anxiety score between pretreatment and before starting the practice was not significant, while it was significant both after the first week of practice (Cohen d= .46) and after the first 2 wk. of practice ( d= .67).