Meditation Matters: Enhancing Learning Outcomes and Well-Being Among College Students
Khritish Swargiary
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 50 |
| Population | College students from diverse academic disciplines |
| Intervention | Meditation |
| Duration | Four-week meditation program; sessions three times a week |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The meditation group showed significant improvements in learning outcomes, confidence, and ability to apply principles, plus a reduction in stress/anxiety frequency, compared with the control group. The authors suggest a short-term meditation program can positively affect academic performance and well-being. |
Abstract
This experimental research study explores the influence of a four-week meditation program on learning outcomes among college students. A sample of 50 students from diverse academic disciplines was randomly assigned to either the Meditation Group (n = 25) or the Control Group (n = 25). The Meditation Group engaged in structured meditation sessions three times a week, led by a trained instructor, while the Control Group maintained their regular routines. Learning outcomes were assessed through pre-test and post-test evaluations, measuring numeric scores out of 100 and subjective aspects like confidence, application of principles, study habits, and stress/anxiety frequency. Statistical analysis, including paired and independent t-tests, revealed that the Meditation Group exhibited significant improvements in learning outcomes, confidence, and ability to apply principles, along with a noteworthy reduction in stress/anxiety frequency compared to the Control Group. These findings suggest that a short-term meditation program positively impacts academic performance and well-being, highlighting its potential benefits in educational settings.
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 |