A study to assess the effectiveness of Rajyoga meditation on psychological wellbeing among nursing students of Bhopal nursing college, BMHRC, Bhopal (MP)
Mamta Makwana, Prabha Agnibhoj, K. Sharat Vishwanath
International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences November 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101191 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 50 |
| Population | Nursing students at Bhopal Nursing College, BMHRC, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Intervention | Rajyoga Meditation |
| Measures | Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Rajyoga Meditation was associated with improved psychological wellbeing: mean Oxford Happiness Questionnaire scores rose from 4.27 to 5.12 in the experimental group, compared with a smaller change from 4.23 to 4.39 in controls, and the authors report the difference as statistically significant. Post-intervention, 76% of the experimental group reported being 'Very Happy,' up from 68% 'Rather Happy: Pretty Happy' before. |
Abstract
Introduction: Meditation, originating from the Latin term ‘Mederi’ meaning ‘to heal,’ is recognized as a method of self-restoration. Rajyoga Meditation facilitates an inner awakening, activating latent energies and enhancing spiritual consciousness related to the self, the Supreme, time, and the world. This introspective practice aids individuals in identifying the root causes of their challenges and discovering solutions, thereby transitioning from reactive behaviors to thoughtful responses, culminating in harmonious living.
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Rajyoga Meditation on the psychological wellbeing of nursing students at Bhopal Nursing College, BMHRC, Bhopal (MP). Materials and methods A true experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was employed, involving 50 nursing students selected through simple random sampling from Bhopal Nursing College, BMHRC, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. After obtaining informed consent, data were collected using standardized tools: a demographic data sheet and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ). Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics and Scientific Committees of BMHRC. The experimental group received a Power Point assisted Rajyoga Meditation intervention following the pre-test.
Results: In the experimental group, pre-test happiness levels indicated 68% (17 students) as “Rather Happy: Pretty Happy” and 32% (8 students) as “Not particularly Happy or Unhappy.” Post-intervention, 76% (19 students) reported being “Very Happy,” and 24% (6 students) as “Rather Happy: Pretty Happy.” The control group showed minimal changes. The experimental group's mean psychological wellbeing scores improved from 4.27 (SD = 0.43) pre-test to 5.12 (SD = 0.34) post-test, while the control group's scores changed from 4.23 (SD = 0.41) to 4.39 (SD = 0.39). The results were statistically significant, indicating the effectiveness of Rajyoga Meditation in enhancing psychological wellbeing.
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 |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- Rajyoga meditation induces grey matter volume changes in regions that process reward and happiness Scientific Reports September 30, 2020
- Effect of Raja Yoga Meditation on the Distress and Anxiety Levels of Women with Breast Cancer Religions July 31, 2021
- Relationships between Mindfulness, Purpose in Life, Happiness, Anxiety, and Depression: Testing a Mediation Model in a Sample of Women International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health January 21, 2021
- The Effects of Meditation, Yoga, and Mindfulness on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Tertiary Education Students: A Meta-Analysis Frontiers in Psychiatry April 24, 2019