The Effects of the transcendental meditation program on mindfulness

Abstract

Mindfulness is associated with low levels of neuroticism, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as high levels of self-esteem and satisfaction with life (Brown & Ryan, 2003). As part of a 3-month randomized waitlist-controlled trial of the effects of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program on university students (N=295), we examined the impact of TM practice on mindfulness as measured by the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS; Baer, Smith, & Allen, 2004). A repeated measures ANOVA on total KIMS scores showed a significant timextreatment interaction, with the TM participants reporting greater increases in mindfulness than the waitlist participants. All KIMS subscales were positively intercorrelated at pretreatment, and there were no differences over time or as a function of treatment condition in subscale intercorrelations. Therefore, previously published findings of a positive correlation between subscales measuring the skills of observing and accepting-without-judgment one's inner experiences only among those with meditation experience may have reflected a self-selection effect rather than a change in the relation of these mindfulness components resulting directly from meditation practice.

Differences of novice to black belt Aikido practitioners in mindfulness: A longitudinal study

“…We did not expect and we did not find the degree of difference that has been reported with mindfulness or meditation training populations (Tanner, et al, 2009). Comparisons across studies may be problematic in a number of ways (Quickel, Johnson, & David, 2014).…”

“…Our results are consistent with studies that have compared and examined the process of meditation on mindfulness. Tanner, et al (2009) examined the effects of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on mindfulness scores using the KIMS. At the start, Tanner et al's Wait List group (M = 128.03) and TM start group (M = 127.48) were not significantly different.…”

Effectiveness of mindfulness based mental fitness training: an impact evaluation study

“…26 Similarly, Tanner et al and Joseffson et al have also reported significant change in FFMQ "Describe" sub scale. 27,28 Resilience is best defined as successful adaptation to adverse circumstances. In general, the concept of resilience reflects desire for great optimism under adversity.…”

Stress and the beliefs of meditation among community college students

“…Studies on the effects of TM in college students on mindfulness (Aldahadha, 2013;Tanner et al, 2009), stress, anxiety (Dillbeck, 1977), and depression (Burns et al, 2011) show significant positive results. One longitudinal study examined the effect of practicing TM on nonverbal intelligence scores (Fergusson, Bonshek, & Masson, 1995) in Cambodian undergraduate students.…”

“…In addition, anxiety may be greater due to the changing nature of college students' schedule. Research shows that distress can be decreased in college student populations through the practice of TM (Burns et al, 2011) and that significant differences in Brain Integration Scale scores (frontal coherence, alpha/beta absolute power ratios, timing/magnitude of brain preparatory responses) and sleepiness were seen after 10 weeks of TM practice (Travis et al, 2009). The Brain Integration Scale was created by Frederick Travis after results showed "changes in brain patterns during challenging cognitive tasks after the meditation session" (Travis et al, 2009).…”