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Transcendental Meditation improves graduation rates: US study

Transcendental Meditation News - UK    Translate This Article
27 November 2013

Research published in the journal Education* this year suggests that the practice of Transcendental Meditation can improve high school graduation rates and, consequently, benefit society as a whole.

The study was carried out in the USA where students usually graduate from high school at the age of 18. The authors point out that higher graduation rates affect not only the academic and personal life of the individual students, but also society as a whole. Improved graduation rates translate into higher earning potential, less crime and less dependence on state support.

The most recent data shows that only 69 per cent of students graduate from American schools. Over the next decade it is estimated that more than 12 million students will drop out of school, resulting in an estimated loss to the nation of nearly $3 trillion.

The study, which was conducted by the University of Connecticut and Maharishi University of Management, Iowa, showed higher graduation rates among students practising Transcendental Meditation compared to non-meditating controls.

Analysis of school records at an east coast urban high school was conducted on all 235 students enrolled during their senior year. Findings showed a 15 per cent higher graduation rate for the entire meditating group compared to the control group.

Largest effect for students with low academic performance

Subgroup analysis found an even greater difference between the two groups for students with low academic performance: in this case the meditators had a 25 per cent higher graduation rate.

Co-author Professor Sanford Nidich, of Maharishi University of Management, added: ''These results are the first to show that the Transcendental Meditation programme can have a positive impact on student graduation rates. The largest effect was found in the most academically challenged students. Recently published research on increased academic achievement and reduced psychological stress in urban school students may provide possible mechanisms for the higher graduation rates found in this study.''

Lower drop out rates and increased enrolment in further education

The researchers point out that the findings also showed significant differences for dropout rates and college acceptance. Meditating students were less likely to drop out from school or go to prison, and were more likely to be accepted to institutions of post-secondary education.

The study was funded by the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace.

Global Good News will feature more about the study, including extensive press coverage around the globe.

Source: Transcendental Meditation News – UK

* Colbert, R D and Nidich, S (2013) ''Effect of the Transcendental Meditation Programme on Graduation, College Acceptance and Dropout Rates for Students Attending an Urban Public High School''. Education, 133(4), 495-501.

Copyright © 2013 Maharishi Foundation UK



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