International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 3 (May-June 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of May-June.

The Effect of Meditation on Anxiety Among Young Adults

Author(s) Mr. Kiran Prasadh, Ms. Nilofer A
Country India
Abstract Anxiety is a growing concern among college students, often stemming from academic pressure, social stressors, and transitional life experiences. Traditional approaches to managing anxiety include therapy and medication, but non-pharmacological methods like meditation are gaining popularity due to their accessibility and holistic benefits. This study examines the effect of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on anxiety levels among college students over a three-month period. Sixty undergraduate students were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n=30) who practiced TM and a control group (n=30) who received no intervention. Participants in the experimental group were trained by certified TM instructors and practiced meditation for 20 minutes, twice daily. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale was used to assess anxiety levels at baseline and after the three-month intervention. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety scores in the TM group, with average GAD-7 scores decreasing from 13.2 to 7.1. In contrast, the control group exhibited minimal change, with scores decreasing slightly from 12.9 to 12.4. Statistical analysis using a paired-sample t-test confirmed the significance of the results (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that regular practice of Transcendental Meditation can be an effective tool for reducing anxiety among college students. Given the simplicity, affordability, and minimal risk associated with TM, it may serve as a practical addition to campus mental health programs. This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the integration of meditation-based practices into student wellness initiatives.
Keywords Transcendental Meditation, anxiety, college students, mental health, meditation, stress reduction, GAD-7, randomized controlled trial, non-pharmacological intervention, student wellness
Published In Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2025
Published On 2025-04-30
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.43121
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9g76j

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