Abstract
M.A.
The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the practise of
Transcendental Meditation may benefit youths in terms of certain
psychological variables. This was a quantitative quasi-experimental
study as randomization was not possible. Grade seven pupils from a
school in Alexandra which had been practising Transcendental
Meditation for approximately two years; as well as a control school were
both tested. There was an attempt to control nuisance variables, such
as the translation of questionnaires, close geographical proximity of the
schools, as well as the implementation of tests at the same time of day.
Despite this, nuisance variables may always influence a study, in this
study possible group differences could not be controlled for. Statistics
showed that the school practising Transcendental Meditation had
significantly lower scores than the control school in measures of anxiety.
These scores were significant at the 0.1% level of significance. It was
also discovered that depression was lower in the school practising
Transcendental Meditation; this was found to be significant at the 1%
level of significance. Measures of locus of control and hopelessness did
not appear to be effected by the practice of Transcendental Meditation.
Thus the possibility was proposed that Transcendental Meditation may
have an effect on mood or affect namely anxiety and depression. In
contrast, it was found that Transcendental Meditation may not effect the
more stable personality characteristics of locus of control; nor the more
stable cognitions found in hopelessness.
The lowered scores of depression and anxiety were at levels of
significance which may be deemed strong for a social science study.
Thus this study may be considered to show important findings, as the
consequences of psychological health in individuals ultimately effects the
larger society.