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Sanford Nidich - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • a pilot randomized controlled trial of Transcendental Meditation as treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans
    Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2021
    Co-Authors: Mayer Bellehsen, Valentina Stoycheva, Barry H Cohen, Sanford Nidich
    Abstract:

    Preliminary studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Transcendental Meditation (TM) for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study extended previous research with a pilot trial of TM as a treatment for PTSD via a single-blinded, randomized controlled design. veterans with PTSD (N = 40) were assigned to a TM intervention or treatment-as-usual (TAU) control group. Participants in the TM group engaged in 16 sessions over 12 weeks, primarily in a 60-min group format. Change in PTSD symptoms, measured via the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included self-reported PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, anger, and quality of life (QoL). Assessments were conducted at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Mean CAPS-5 score decreases were significantly larger for participants in the TM group (M = -11.28, 95% CI [-17.35, -5.20]), compared to the TAU group (M = -1.62, 95% CI [-6.77, 3.52]), p = .012, d = -0.84. At posttest, 50.0% of veterans in the TM group no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria as compared to 10.0% in the TAU group, p = .007. Adjusted mean changes on self-report measures of PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties indicated significant reductions in the TM group compared to TAU, ds = .80-1.16. There were no significant group differences regarding anger or QoL. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of TM as a treatment for veterans with PTSD and for comorbid symptoms. Combined with other research, they suggest that TM may be a tolerable, non-trauma-focused PTSD treatment.

  • the effect of Transcendental Meditation on self efficacy perceived stress and quality of life in mothers in uganda
    Health Care for Women International, 2018
    Co-Authors: Leslee Goldstein, Sanford Nidich, Rachel S Goodman, David H Goodman
    Abstract:

    Vulnerable women living in poverty in Uganda, who are primarily single, illiterate mothers, face high levels of physical and psychological stress. Our study assessed the impact of the Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) technique on self-efficacy, perceived stress, and mental and physical quality of life of these women. This single-blind controlled study involved 81 women who were assigned to either practice of the Transcendental Meditation program (n = 42) or wait-list (delayed start) control group (n = 39). Participants learned the Transcendental Meditation program over five sessions, then practiced at home for 20 minutes twice a day, and attended twice monthly group meetings over a 3-month period. The primary outcome measure was self-efficacy using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Perceived stress using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, and physical and mental quality of life using subscales of the Medical Outcomes Survey (MOS, HIV version) were secondary outcome measures. Significant improvements were shown in self-efficacy (p 88%. This is the first controlled study to demonstrate the effect of TM in the daily lives of mothers living in impoverished conditions. Further questionnaires were administered to participants at 8 months and at 36 months with questions about changes they may have experienced in their daily life since starting TM. "Yes," "No" self-reported answers suggested that the women experienced improved health, improved relationships with others, and increased employment rates. These findings taken as a whole have important implications for developing self-efficacy, improving mental and physical quality of life, and reducing stress in the lives of these vulnerable women.

  • integration of Transcendental Meditation tm into alcohol use disorder aud treatment
    Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2018
    Co-Authors: Jan Gryczynski, Sanford Nidich, James D Grant, Robert P Schwartz, Marc Fishman, Courtney D Nordeck, Stuart Rothenberg, Kevin E Ogrady
    Abstract:

    Abstract Aims Maladaptive responses to stress are thought to play a role in addiction and relapse. Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a popular Meditation technique with promising clinical applications. This study sought to: (a) examine the feasibility of providing TM during AUD treatment; (b) compare outcomes for TM vs. treatment as usual (TAU); and (c) investigate the relationship between TM practice and outcomes. Methods Meditation-naive adults with primary AUD (N = 60; 35% female, 60% white) newly admitted to inpatient treatment were recruited in sequential cohorts (30 receiving TAU and 30 receiving TM training). Assessments were conducted at baseline and 3-months post-discharge. Results Integrating TM into inpatient AUD treatment was feasible. Uptake of TM was high (85% meditating on most of the past 30 days at follow-up; 61% closely adherent to recommended practice of twice-daily TM). Participants reported high satisfaction with TM. The sample as a whole improved on multiple measures after AUD treatment, but there were no significant differences between TM and TAU cohorts. However, those practicing TM twice-daily as recommended were less likely than the rest of the sample to return to any drinking (25% vs. 59%; p = .02) or heavy drinking post-discharge (0% vs. 47%, p  Conclusions This study established the feasibility and acceptability of using TM during AUD treatment. Consistently practicing TM (but not just learning it) was associated with better outcomes. These promising findings warrant further investigation in larger, controlled studies.

  • Transcendental Meditation and reduced trauma symptoms in female inmates a randomized controlled study
    The Permanente Journal, 2017
    Co-Authors: Sanford Nidich, John W Salerno, Angela Seng, Blaze Compton, Tom Oconnor, Randi Nidich
    Abstract:

    CONTEXT Compared with the general population, trauma experiences are higher among incarcerated women. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on trauma symptoms in female offenders. DESIGN Twenty-two inmates at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, OR, with at least 4 months left of incarceration were enrolled in this randomized controlled pilot study. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the TM group (n = 11) or a wait-list control group (n = 11). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subjects were measured at baseline and 4-month posttest using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian version (PCL-C; primary outcome) with intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and hyperarousal subscales (secondary outcomes). Twenty of the subjects (10 in each group) took part in their treatment assignment and completed posttesting. RESULTS Significant reductions were found on total trauma (p < 0.036), intrusive thoughts (p < 0.026), and hyperarousal (p < 0.043) on the PCL-C. Effect sizes ranged from 0.65 to 0.99 for all variables. Eighty-one percent of the TM subjects were compliant with their program. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate feasibility of the TM program in a female prison population and suggest that TM may be an effective tool for decreasing trauma symptoms. Future large-scale research is warranted.

  • practicing Transcendental Meditation in high schools relationship to well being and academic achievement among students
    Contemporary School Psychology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Staci Wendt, Laurent Valosek, Jerry Hipps, Allan Abrams, Jamie Grant, Sanford Nidich
    Abstract:

    The Quiet Time program provides a 15-min period at the beginning and end of the school day where students may practice Transcendental Meditation (TM) or another quiet activity such as reading silently to oneself. This study examined the impact of participating in Quiet Time on ninth-grade students (n = 141) by comparing their outcomes to those of a group of ninth-grade students (n = 53) attending a school that did not participate in Quiet Time. Students in both groups completed an assessment battery in early October 2012, shortly after which treatment students learned TM, and again in May 2013. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the differences between the treatment and comparison groups. Results indicated that students who participated in Quiet Time scored significantly lower on anxiety (p < 0.05) and higher on resilience (p < 0.05) at follow-up than comparison group students. Within the treatment group, students who spent more time meditating also had higher resilience scores and higher instruction time. After participating in Quiet Time, students self-reported increases in their sleep, happiness, and self-confidence.

Robert H. Schneider - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Transcendental Meditation in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and pathophysiological mechanisms an evidence based review
    Advances in integrative medicine, 2014
    Co-Authors: Robert H. Schneider, Timothy Carr
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objectives Despite advances in modern medicine, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Australia and globally. In a recently published scientific statement on alternative methods to lower blood pressure (BP), the American Heart Association (AHA) reported that the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique may be considered in clinical practice to lower BP. The AHA statement also reported research that TM may reduce heart attack, stroke and death in CVD patients. This article reviews the background and associated evidence for these effects. Design and methods Meta-analyses, systematic reviews and controlled clinical studies on the effects of TM technique on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors were reviewed and the outcomes synthesised. Results Clinical trials indicate that the TM technique has a positive impact on pathophysiological mechanisms of CVD; risk factors for CVD including hypertension, psychosocial stress and smoking; surrogate markers for CVD; and CVD clinical events. Conclusions The wide range of effects of TM practice on cardiovascular health suggests that the TM technique may be considered in clinical applications for both the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

  • Design and rationale of a comparative effectiveness trial evaluating Transcendental Meditation against established therapies for PTSD
    Contemporary Clinical Trials, 2014
    Co-Authors: Thomas Rutledge, Jonathan Salerno, Pia Heppner, Mayra A. Gomez, Carolyn Gaylord-king, Robert H. Schneider, Sanford Nidich, Paul J. Mills, Maxwell Rainforth
    Abstract:

    Background: Although Meditation therapies such as the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique are commonly used to assist with stress and stress-related diseases, there remains a lack of rigorous clinical trial research establishing the relative efficacy of these treatments overall and for populations with psychiatric illness. This study uses a comparative effectiveness design to assess the relative benefits of TM to those obtained from a gold-standard cognitive behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a Veteran population. Methods and design: This paper describes the rationale and design of an in progress randomized controlled trial comparing TM to an established cognitive behavioral treatment - Prolonged Exposure (PE) - and an active control condition (health education [HE]) for PTSD. This trial will recruit 210 Veterans meeting DSM-IV criteria for PTSD, with testing conducted at 0 and 3. months for PTSD symptoms, depression, mood disturbance, quality of life, behavioral factors, and physiological/biochemical and gene expression mechanisms using validated measures. The study hypothesis is that TM will be noninferior to PE and superior to HE on changes in PTSD symptoms, using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Discussion: The described study represents a methodologically rigorous protocol evaluating the benefits of TM for PTSD. The projected results will help to establish the overall efficacy of TM for PTSD among Veterans, identify bio-behavioral mechanisms through which TM and PE may improve PTSD symptoms, and will permit conclusions regarding the relative value of TM against currently established therapies for PTSD. © 2014.

  • evidence for upgrading the ratings for Transcendental Meditation response to aha scientific statement on alternative methods and bp
    Hypertension, 2013
    Co-Authors: Robert H. Schneider
    Abstract:

    The AHA Statement on alternative approaches to lowering blood pressure (BP) is a groundbreaking effort to inform physicians and public of their options.1 As principal investigator on several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique and other alternative interventions for BP and cardiovascular disease, I suggest 5 points for consideration. First, an alert reader notices a discrepancy between the level of evidence (LOE) of B for research on TM and the published evidence. The Statement defines LOE B as “Data derived from a single randomized controlled trial or nonrandomized studies.” However, the Statement surveys 11 RCTs with >1200 subjects and 2 well-conducted meta-analyses on TM and BP.2– …

  • stress reduction in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease randomized controlled trial of Transcendental Meditation and health education in blacks
    Circulation-cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 2012
    Co-Authors: Robert H. Schneider, Maxwell Rainforth, Sanford Nidich, John W Salerno, Carolyn Gaylordking, Clarence E Grim, Theodore A Kotchen, Jane Morley Kotchen, Charles N Alexander
    Abstract:

    Background—Blacks have disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease. Psychosocial stress may contribute to this disparity. Previous trials on stress reduction with the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program have reported improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors, surrogate end points, and mortality in blacks and other populations. Methods and Results—This was a randomized, controlled trial of 201 black men and women with coronary heart disease who were randomized to the TM program or health education. The primary end point was the composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Secondary end points included the composite of cardiovascular mortality, revascularizations, and cardiovascular hospitalizations; blood pressure; psychosocial stress factors; and lifestyle behaviors. During an average follow-up of 5.4 years, there was a 48% risk reduction in the primary end point in the TM group (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.92; P=0.025). The TM group ...

  • effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on substance use among university students
    Cardiology Research and Practice, 2011
    Co-Authors: David A F Haaga, Maxwell Rainforth, Sanford Nidich, Frederick Travis, Sarina Grosswald, Carolyn Gaylordking, Melissa Tanner, Robert H. Schneider
    Abstract:

    A randomized wait-list controlled trial (N = 295 university students) of the effects of the Transcendental Meditation program was conducted in an urban setting. Substance use was assessed by self-report at baseline and 3 months later. For smoking and illicit drug use, there were no significant differences between conditions. For alcohol use, sex X intervention condition interactions were significant; TM instruction lowered drinking rates among male but not female students. TM instruction could play a valuable role in reducing alcohol use among male university students. Limitations are noted, along with suggestions for further research.

Frederick Travis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • reductions in perceived stress following Transcendental Meditation practice are associated with increased brain regional connectivity at rest
    Brain and Cognition, 2020
    Co-Authors: Giulia Avvenuti, Frederick Travis, Andrea Leo, Luca Cecchetti, Maria Fatima Franco, Davide Caramella, Giulio Bernardi, Emiliano Ricciardi, Pietro Pietrini
    Abstract:

    Abstract Transcendental Meditation (TM) is defined as a mental process of transcending using a silent mantra. Previous work showed that relatively brief period of TM practice leads to decreases in stress and anxiety. However, whether these changes are subserved by specific morpho-functional brain modifications (as observed in other Meditation techniques) is still unclear. Using a longitudinal design, we combined psychometric questionnaires, structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) to investigate the potential brain modifications underlying the psychological effects of TM. The final sample included 19 naive subjects instructed to complete two daily 20-min TM sessions, and 15 volunteers in the control group. Both groups were evaluated at recruitment (T0) and after 3 months (T1). At T1, only meditators showed a decrease in perceived anxiety and stress (t(18) = 2.53, p = 0.02), which correlated negatively with T1-T0 changes in functional connectivity among posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), precuneus and left superior parietal lobule. Additionally, TM practice was associated with increased connectivity between PCC and right insula, likely reflecting changes in interoceptive awareness. No structural changes were observed in meditators or control subjects. These preliminary findings indicate that beneficial effects of TM may be mediated by functional brain changes that take place after a short practice period of 3 months.

  • fmri during Transcendental Meditation practice
    Brain and Cognition, 2018
    Co-Authors: Michelle C Mahone, Frederick Travis, Richard Gevirtz, David Hubbard
    Abstract:

    Abstract This study used a within group design to investigate blood flow patterns (fMRI) in 16 long-term practitioners of Transcendental Meditation (mean practice: 34.3 years with each having over 36,000 h of Meditation practice). During Transcendental Meditation practice, blood flow patterns were significantly higher in executive and attention areas (anterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices) and significantly lower in arousal areas (pons and cerebellum). This pattern supports the understanding that Transcendental Meditation practice requires minimal effort. During Transcendental Meditation, the attentional system was active (heightened blood flow in anterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices) in an automatic manner—decreased blood flow in the pons and cerebellum. This pattern of heightened blood flow in attentional areas and decreased blood flow in arousal areas has not been reported during other Meditation practices. Future research should investigate blood flow patterns in different Meditation practices in the same study.

  • EEG microstates during different phases of Transcendental Meditation practice
    Cognitive processing, 2017
    Co-Authors: Pascal L. Faber, Patricia Milz, Frederick Travis, Niyazi Parim
    Abstract:

    Two phases of Transcendental Meditation (TM)—transcending and undirected mentation—were compared to each other and to task-free resting using multichannel EEG recorded from 20 TM practitioners. An EEG microstate analysis identified four classes of microstates which were labeled A, B, C and D, based on their similarity to previously published classes. For each class of microstates, mean duration, coverage and occurrence were computed. Resting and transcending differed from undirected mentation with decreased prominence of Class A and increased prominence of Class D microstates. In addition, transcending showed decreased prominence of Class C microstates compared to undirected mentation. Based on previous findings on the functional significance of the microstate classes, the results indicate an increased reference to reality and decreased visualization during resting and transcending compared to undirected mentation. Also, our results indicate decreased saliency of internally generated mentations during transcending compared to undirected mentation reflecting a more detached and less evaluative processing. It is proposed that the continuous cycling through these two phases of Meditation during a TM session might facilitate and train the flexible modulation of the parameters of these microstates of these particular classes which are known to be altered in psychiatric disorders. This might promote beneficial stabilizing effects for the practitioner of TM.

  • default mode network activation and Transcendental Meditation practice focused attention or automatic self transcending
    Brain and Cognition, 2017
    Co-Authors: Frederick Travis, Niyazi Parim
    Abstract:

    This study used subjective reports and eLORETA analysis to assess to what extent Transcendental Meditation (TM) might involve focused attention-voluntary control of mental content. Eighty-seven TM subjects with one month to five years TM experience participated in this study. Regression analysis of years TM practice and self-reported Transcendental experiences (lack of time, space and body sense) during Meditation practice was flat (r=.07). Those practicing Transcendental Meditation for 1month reported as much transcending as those with 5years of practice. The eLORETA comparison of eyes-closed rest/task and TM practice/task identified similar areas of activation: theta and alpha activation during rest and TM in the posterior cingulate and precuneus, part of the default mode network, and beta2 and beta3 activation during the task in anterior cingulate, ventral lateral and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, part of the central executive network. In addition, eLORETA comparison of rest and TM identified higher beta temporal activation during rest and higher theta orbitofrontal activation during TM. Thus, it does not seem accurate to include TM practice with Meditations in the catgory of Focused Attention, which are characterized by gamma EEG and DMN deactivation. Mixing Meditations with different procedures into a single study confounds exploration of Meditation effects and confounds application of Meditation practices to different subject populations.

  • reduction in posttraumatic stress symptoms in congolese refugees practicing Transcendental Meditation
    Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2013
    Co-Authors: Brian Rees, Frederick Travis, David Shapiro, Ruth Chant
    Abstract:

    This matched single-blind pilot study tested the effect of Transcendental Meditation® (TM) practice on symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS) in Congolese refugees. Urban refugees (N = 102) staying around Kampala, Uganda attended introductory meetings. After initial random assignment to the TM group, 30 refugees who revealed that they were unable to attend all meetings and were eliminated from the study. The remaining 21 TM group participants were then instructed in TM and matched with refugees in the control group on age, sex, and baseline scores on the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C). All participants completed the PCL-C measure of PTS symptoms at baseline, and 30-day and 135-day posttests. The PCL-C scores in the control group trended upward. In contrast, the PCL-C scores in the TM group went from 65 on average at baseline indicating severe PTS symptoms to below 30 on average after 30 days of TM practice, and remained low at 135 days. Effect size was high (d > 1.0). Compliance with TM practice was good; most reported regular practice throughout the study. There were no adverse events. All refugees who learned TM completed the study and were able to practice TM successfully, with subsequent substantial reduction in PTS symptoms.

Maxwell Rainforth - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Design and rationale of a comparative effectiveness trial evaluating Transcendental Meditation against established therapies for PTSD
    Contemporary Clinical Trials, 2014
    Co-Authors: Thomas Rutledge, Jonathan Salerno, Pia Heppner, Mayra A. Gomez, Carolyn Gaylord-king, Robert H. Schneider, Sanford Nidich, Paul J. Mills, Maxwell Rainforth
    Abstract:

    Background: Although Meditation therapies such as the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique are commonly used to assist with stress and stress-related diseases, there remains a lack of rigorous clinical trial research establishing the relative efficacy of these treatments overall and for populations with psychiatric illness. This study uses a comparative effectiveness design to assess the relative benefits of TM to those obtained from a gold-standard cognitive behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a Veteran population. Methods and design: This paper describes the rationale and design of an in progress randomized controlled trial comparing TM to an established cognitive behavioral treatment - Prolonged Exposure (PE) - and an active control condition (health education [HE]) for PTSD. This trial will recruit 210 Veterans meeting DSM-IV criteria for PTSD, with testing conducted at 0 and 3. months for PTSD symptoms, depression, mood disturbance, quality of life, behavioral factors, and physiological/biochemical and gene expression mechanisms using validated measures. The study hypothesis is that TM will be noninferior to PE and superior to HE on changes in PTSD symptoms, using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Discussion: The described study represents a methodologically rigorous protocol evaluating the benefits of TM for PTSD. The projected results will help to establish the overall efficacy of TM for PTSD among Veterans, identify bio-behavioral mechanisms through which TM and PE may improve PTSD symptoms, and will permit conclusions regarding the relative value of TM against currently established therapies for PTSD. © 2014.

  • stress reduction in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease randomized controlled trial of Transcendental Meditation and health education in blacks
    Circulation-cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 2012
    Co-Authors: Robert H. Schneider, Maxwell Rainforth, Sanford Nidich, John W Salerno, Carolyn Gaylordking, Clarence E Grim, Theodore A Kotchen, Jane Morley Kotchen, Charles N Alexander
    Abstract:

    Background—Blacks have disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease. Psychosocial stress may contribute to this disparity. Previous trials on stress reduction with the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program have reported improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors, surrogate end points, and mortality in blacks and other populations. Methods and Results—This was a randomized, controlled trial of 201 black men and women with coronary heart disease who were randomized to the TM program or health education. The primary end point was the composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Secondary end points included the composite of cardiovascular mortality, revascularizations, and cardiovascular hospitalizations; blood pressure; psychosocial stress factors; and lifestyle behaviors. During an average follow-up of 5.4 years, there was a 48% risk reduction in the primary end point in the TM group (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.92; P=0.025). The TM group ...

  • reduced psychological distress in racial and ethnic minority students practicing the Transcendental Meditation program
    Journal of Instructional Psychology, 2011
    Co-Authors: Charles Elder, Maxwell Rainforth, Sanford Nidich, Randi Nidich, Robert Colbert, John S Hagelin, Lisa Grayshield, Dynah Oviedolim, Chris Jones, Denise Gerace
    Abstract:

    There is a growing literature describing the stressful nature of students' school experience. Previous research has found that racial and ethnic minority groups are particularly subject to high levels of stress due to exposure to violence, pressures due to acculturation, and the schooling process. This is the first study to evaluate effects of the Transcendental Meditation[R] program on psychological distress across diverse racial and ethnic minority student groups. A total of 106 secondary school students (68 meditating and 38 non-meditating students), who completed both baseline and 4-month post-testing, were included. Results indicated reductions in Transcendental Meditation students compared to controls in general psychological distress and anxiety. Within-group effects on depressive symptoms also were observed. Because of the association between psychological distress and both adverse school performance and poor physical and mental health outcomes, it is important for school administrators to implement programs of stress reduction into their schools. Keywords: Transcendental Meditation, stress, psychological distress ********** There is a growing literature describing the stressful nature of students' school experience (Lowry, Cohen, Modzeleski, & Kann, 1999). Research has found a strong association between students' experience of stress and years of schooling, with nearly 50% of secondary school students reporting either psychological stress or physical-stress related symptoms (Minnesota Department of Education, 2007). Other studies have linked psychological distress such as anxiety and depression, to poor academic achievement, negative school behavior, and adverse physical and mental health outcomes (e.g., Aluja & Branch, 2004; Kiselica, Baker, Thomas, & Reedy, 1994; Schwarzer, 1990; Heinrich, 1979; Barnes, Bauza, Treiber, 2001; Barnes, Treiber, & Davis, 2001; Suldo, Shaunessy, & Hardesty, 2008). Socio-environmental and school stressors, including acculturation, violence and academic troubles, are among factors that have impacted students' levels of psychological distress and associated poor academic performance (Thompson & Massat, 2005; Grannis, 1992). In Hispanic students, difficulties in language and other socio-cultural factors have contributed to lower self-efficacy and negative health behaviors such as alcohol use, which have in turn poorly impacted academic performance and graduation rates (Alva, 1995; Alva & Reyes, 1999; Close & Solberg, 2008; Willig, Harnisch, Hill, & Maehr, 1983). Studies on psychological distress in African American students indicate that exposure to violence increases the risk for depression, anger, disassociation, and post-trauma stress, as well as increasing academic and behavioral problems (Hall, Cassidy & Stevenson, 2008; Singer, Anglin, Song, & Lunghofer, 1995; Thompson & Massat, 2005). For American Indian students, conflicting cultural styles not supported by the public schools (Costantino & St. Charles, 2000) is a major factor contributing to feelings of anxiety, depression, marginality and alienation, as well as heightened psychosomatic symptoms and identity confusion (Williams & Berry, 1991). Previous research has shown that psychological distress can be decreased in other populations through the practice of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program. A meta-analysis of 146 studies with adults by Eppley, Abrams, and Shear (1989) showed the effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation technique compared to other Meditation and stress reduction programs in reducing anxiety. Research has also shown reductions in depressive symptoms and emotional distress (Sheppard, Staggers, & John, 1997; Aron, Orme-Johnson, & Brubaker, 1981). Studies of Transcendental Meditation interventions in predominantly African American secondary and middle school students have shown decreased cardiovascular reactivity to stressful stimuli, lower rates of school absenteeism, rule infractions and suspensions, and improved emotional regulation and well-being (Barnes, Treiber, & Davis, 2001; Barnes, Bauza, & Davis, 2001; Rosaen & Benn, 2006). …

  • academic achievement and Transcendental Meditation a study with at risk urban middle school students
    Education 3-13, 2011
    Co-Authors: Sanford Nidich, Maxwell Rainforth, Randi Nidich, Shujaa Mjasiri, James D Grant, Laurent Valosek, Walter Chang, Ronald Zigler
    Abstract:

    Introduction During the past decade, public schools in the United States have undergone reform to try to improve the quality of education. Among the main features of reform has been the emphasis on accountability through student standardized academic achievement assessment across grade levels (Torres, 2004). The middle school level is of particular concern to educators and public policymakers because many state, national, and international tests indicate low performance and decreases in academic achievement during these school years (National Research Council, 2001). Research has found that middle school academic achievement scores make a consistent, independent contribution to whether students' graduate from or drop out of school (Battin-Pearson, Newcomb, Abbott, Hill, et al., 2000; Kaplan, Peck, & Kaplan, 1997). Previous research in a Midwest private school indicated that practice of the Transcendental Meditation program significantly increased standardized academic achievement scores over a one-year period (Nidich, Nidich, & Rainforth, 1986; Nidich & Nidich, 1989). The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of implementing a Meditation program with at-risk urban public middle school students and to assess whether practice of such a program can help improve math and English academic achievement scores in students who were below proficiency (grade) level. Method School Site The school participating in this study was a public middle school, located in a large, urban school district, with primarily low socioeconomic status (SES) racial and ethnic minority students. The school was in the lower half academically of all district middle schools. Students Participants in this study included 189 students (125 meditating students and 64 non-meditating control students) who were below proficiency level in either math or English at baseline on the California Standards Test (CST). All students were included who had academic achievement scores for both baseline (prior year) and posttest (current year). A matched-control subgroup of 100 students (50 meditating and 50 non-meditating control students), matched on both math and English performance level scores, was used for further analysis. All identical matched pairs of meditating and non-meditating students below proficiency in both math and English were included in this subgroup. All students attended the same urban public middle school and continued with the school's standard curriculum and instruction. Meditating students attended the sixth and seventh grades and practiced the Transcendental Meditation program at school for 12 minutes at the start and end of the school day for three months prior to the administration of the CST posttest. All of the students in the school's sixth and seventh grades learned the Transcendental Meditation program as part of the school's "Quiet Time" program. Non-meditating control students attended the eighth grade, which did not participate in the school's Quiet Time/Meditation program. The control group was selected to control for school climate factors such as principal leadership, faculty morale, curriculum and instruction policies and other school rules and policies that may have influenced academic achievement, as well as controlling for key student demographic factors such as racial and ethnic group composition and socioeconomic status. The control group also served to control for testing effects and possible regression to the mean. All students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades who had CST academic achievement scores for both the Spring of 2006 (prior year, baseline) and Spring of 2007 (current year, posttesting) were included in the study. The Transcendental Meditation Program Students were taught the Transcendental Meditation technique by certified instructors in a standard seven-step course and then practiced this program twice a day morning and afternoon, as part of their daily Quiet Time program. …

  • effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on substance use among university students
    Cardiology Research and Practice, 2011
    Co-Authors: David A F Haaga, Maxwell Rainforth, Sanford Nidich, Frederick Travis, Sarina Grosswald, Carolyn Gaylordking, Melissa Tanner, Robert H. Schneider
    Abstract:

    A randomized wait-list controlled trial (N = 295 university students) of the effects of the Transcendental Meditation program was conducted in an urban setting. Substance use was assessed by self-report at baseline and 3 months later. For smoking and illicit drug use, there were no significant differences between conditions. For alcohol use, sex X intervention condition interactions were significant; TM instruction lowered drinking rates among male but not female students. TM instruction could play a valuable role in reducing alcohol use among male university students. Limitations are noted, along with suggestions for further research.

Vernon A Barnes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • impact of Transcendental Meditation on psychotropic medication use among active duty military service members with anxiety and ptsd
    Military Medicine, 2016
    Co-Authors: Vernon A Barnes, Jennifer J Williams, Andrea Monto, John L Rigg
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to determine whether the regular practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) decreased the need for psychotropic medications required for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) management and increased psychological wellbeing. The sample included 74 military Service Members with documented PTSD or anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (ADNOS), 37 that practiced TM and 37 that did not. At 1 month, 83.7% of the TM group stabilized, decreased, or ceased medications and 10.8% increased medication dosage; compared with 59.4% of controls that showed stabilizations, decreases, or cessations; and 40.5% that increased medications (p < 0.03). A similar pattern was observed after 2 (p < 0.27), 3 (p < 0.002), and 6 months (p < 0.34). Notably, there was a 20.5% difference between groups in severity of psychological symptoms after 6 months, that is, the control group experienced an increase in symptom severity compared with the group practicing TM. These findings provi...

  • effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique on trait anxiety a meta analysis of randomized controlled trials
    Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2014
    Co-Authors: David W Ormejohnson, Vernon A Barnes
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the Transcendental Meditation® (TM) technique updates previous meta-analyses and assesses the effects of initial anxiety level, age, duration of practice, regularity of practice, research quality, author affiliation, and type of control group on effect sizes. Design: This systematic review of the literature used the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) program for core analyses of effect sizes, bias analysis, meta-regression, and moderator variable analysis. Comprehensive literature searches included databases devoted to Meditation research. Results: More than 600 TM research papers were identified; 14 of these addressed trait anxiety and reported on 16 studies among 1295 participants with diverse demographic characteristics. No adverse effects were reported. The standardized difference in mean, d, for the TM technique compared with controls receiving an active alternative treatment (10 studies) was d=−0.50 (95% CI, −.70 to −0.3...

  • clinical case series treatment of ptsd with Transcendental Meditation in active duty military personnel
    Military Medicine, 2013
    Co-Authors: Vernon A Barnes, John L Rigg, Jennifer J Williams
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACTActive duty U.S. Army Service Members previously diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were selected from review of patient records in the Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic at the Department of Defense Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. Patients agreed to practice the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique for 20 minutes twice a day for the duration of a 2-month follow-up period. Three cases are presented with results that show the feasibility of providing TM training to active duty soldiers with PTSD in a Department of Defense medical facility. Further investigation is suggested to determine if a TM program could be used as an adjunct for treatment of PTSD. Impact of this report is expected to expand the complementary and alternative evidence base for clinical care of PTSD.

  • prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in adolescents and adults through the Transcendental Meditation program a research review update
    Current Hypertension Reviews, 2012
    Co-Authors: Vernon A Barnes, David W Ormejohnson
    Abstract:

    The pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular diseases are thought to be exacerbated by stress. Basic research indicates that the Transcendental Meditation(®) technique produces acute and longitudinal reductions in sympathetic tone and stress reactivity. In adolescents at risk for hypertension, the technique has been found to reduce resting and ambulatory blood pressure, left ventricular mass, cardiovascular reactivity, and to improve school behavior. Research on adults with mild or moderate essential hypertension has reported decreased blood pressure and reduced use of anti-hypertensive medication. The technique has also been reported to decrease symptoms of angina pectoris and carotid atherosclerosis, to reduce cardiovascular risk factors, including alcohol and tobacco use, to markedly reduce medical care utilization for cardiovascular diseases, and to significantly decrease cardiovascular and all-cause morbidity and mortality. These findings have important implications for inclusion of the Transcendental Meditation program in efforts to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases and their clinical consequences.(®)Transcendental Meditation and TM are trademarks registered in the US. Patent and Trademark Office, licensed to Maharishi Vedic Education Development Corporation and are used with permission.

  • impact of Transcendental Meditation on left ventricular mass in african american adolescents
    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012
    Co-Authors: Vernon A Barnes, Gaston Kapuku, Frank A Treiber
    Abstract:

    Background. An early sign of ventricular remodeling is increased left ventricular mass (LVM) which over time may lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, the strongest predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, other than advancing age. Methods. 62 (30 TM; 32 CTL) African American adolescents (age 16.2 ± 1.3 years) with high normal systolic BP were randomly assigned to either 4-month Transcendental Meditation (TM) or health education control groups. The echocardiographic-derived measure of LVM index (LVMI = LVM/ht(2.7)) was measured before and after the 4-month TM study and at 4-month followup. 2D-guided M-mode echocardiography using a Hewlett Packard 5500 echosonograph was used to determine LVMI. Results. The TM group exhibited a greater decrease in LVMI at 4-month followup compared to the CTL group (-2.6 versus +0.3 gm/ht(2.7), P < 0.04). The TM group exhibited a lesser increase in BMI at 4-month follow-up compared to the CTL group (0.2 ± 1.6 versus 1.1 ± 1.4, P < 0.03). Conclusion. These findings indicate that among a group of prehypertensive African American adolescents, 4 months of TM compared to heath education resulted in a significant decrease in LVMI, and these changes were maintained at 4-month follow-up.