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The Effect of Meditation on Self-Reported Measures of Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Perfectionism in a College Population

Jaimie L. Burns, Randolph M. Lee, Lauren J. Brown

Journal of College Student Psychotherapy March 31, 2011 DOI: 10.1080/87568225.2011.556947 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Pre-post observational study Peer reviewed
Sample size 43
Population Undergraduate students
Intervention Transcendental Meditation
Duration Two semesters
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Citations 78
Key findings After two semesters of Transcendental Meditation practice, students showed significant declines in stress, anxiety, depression, and perfectionistic thoughts.

Abstract

The effects of meditation, specifically Transcendental Meditation (TM), on college students' experience of stress, anxiety, depression, and perfectionistic thoughts was investigated using 43 undergraduate students. Self-report measures of the variables were completed prior to the start of the study. Student groups were trained in TM and practiced the technique consistently over a two-semester period. Post-TM measures were administered at the end of the two semesters. The groups showed a significant decline on all variables. Suggestions for the use of meditation as an adjunct to treatment in a college population are discussed.

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Citations in the library

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Anxiety Depression Meditation