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 DOI: 10.1080/15426432.2014.930632 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative arts-based exploratory study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Women attending university |
| Interventions | Mahavakyam Meditation (MM) mantra meditation visualization |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Citations | 20 |
| Key findings | Participants reported reductions in distressing symptoms after practicing Mahavakyam Meditation, including a broadened perspective, ability to reject adverse self-talk, increased awareness and feelings of tranquility, joy, and self-acceptance, greater belief in their capacity to achieve goals, and enhanced contemplation and motivation to fulfill those goals. The author argues that the collage method was well suited to the experiential practice. |
Abstract
Spiritually focused interventions are increasing within social work/helping professions practice and research. Specifically the incorporation of meditation is taking root. This article conceptualizes a particular mantra meditation system, combined with visualization, called Mahavakyam Meditation (MM), and explores how it ameliorated the stress, sadness, and anxiety for women attending university. MM differs from the application of other mantra meditations in western therapeutic approaches with its unique emphasis on the creative potential of thought. MM includes two components: repetition of four proclamations, and creating a positive mental image of a goal not yet accomplished but imagined and believed as if it were already achieved. In this qualitative arts-based exploratory study, the author adopted a collage method as a form of analysis and representation to understand university women’s experiences of applying meditation and visualization as an alternative mental health strategy. Findings indicated that participants realized a reduction of their distressing symptoms in a number of ways: a broadened perspective, the ability to reject adverse self-talk, increased awareness and feelings of tranquility, joy, and self-acceptance, an increased belief in the capacity to achieve goals, and enhanced contemplation on and motivation to fulfill those goals. The collage method was well suited to the experiential MM.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Mahavakyam Meditation: a trauma-informed practice to cultivate wellness & resilience with social work students in the classroom and beyond Social Thought March 12, 2025
- Nine Women: Collages of Spirit-Collages of Self Qualitative Inquiry June 3, 2023
- Utilizing contemplative practices in social work education Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work Social Thought January 2, 2020
Cites 11
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin May 14, 2012
- Mindfulness and psychological process. Emotion February 1, 2010
- The Phenomenology of Meditation for Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Violence Against Women April 14, 2006
- Meditation research: the state of the art in correctional settings. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology June 1, 2011
and 6 more in the library