Running head: TRANCENDENTAL MEDITATIONS EFFECT ON STRESS AND ANXIETY

Meditations Effect on Stress and Anxiety

Annotated Bibliography
Grayson Grimes
Center for Advanced Research and Technology
AM Green

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Annotated Bibliography
Burns, J. L & Lee, R. M. & Brown, L. J. (2011). The effect of meditation on self-reported
measures of stress, anxiety, depression, and perfectionism in a college population.
Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 25. doi: 10.1080/87568225.2011.556947
A study was conducted on a group of 43 college undergraduates to access the effect of
transcendental meditation on self-reported measures of stress, anxiety, depression, and
perfectionism in a college population. TM was taught through a qualified instructor to all
43 students. TM was practiced consistently over a two semester period. Measurements of
these traits were taken pre and post experiment. The Perceived Stress Scale -14 was used
to measure stress, The Beck Anxiety Inventory-Trait was used to measure anxiety, The
Center for Epidemic Studies Depression Scale was used to measure depression, and the
Perfectionistic Cognitions Inventory was used as a measurement for perfectionistic
thoughts.
The results found that all self-reported measurements, as a result of TM, were lowered.
Often these measurements were significantly lower. In conclusion, to fit the growing TM
could serve as valuable addition to counseling centers for students.

Coppola, F., (2009). Natural stress relief meditation as a tool for reducing anxiety and increasing
self-actualization. Social Behavior and Personality, 37. doi: 10.2224/sbp.2009.37.3.307
A study was conducted on a group of 31 students to assess the effect of Natural Stress
Relief meditation as a tool for reducing anxiety and increasing self-actualization.
Participants were to practice NSR every day for four weeks. The State-Trait Anxiety
Inventory and the Jones and Crandall (1986) Short Index of Self-Actualization were used
as measurements of self-actualization and anxiety. Measurements using these scales were
taken first, as a control, 1 week prior to instruction, a second time immediately prior to
instruction and a third time after four weeks of regular practice.
Pre and Post measurements showed a remarkable reduction in anxiety and selfactualization. In conclusion Regular practice of NSR meditation appears to correlate with
anxiety reduction and self-actualization both measured and self-reported. This is due to
the natural consequence of elimination of stress and anxiety through the deep resting state
the NSR induces. NSR could be used as a valuable tool for researchers, clinicians,
psychologists, and people interested in exploring enhancing human capabilities.

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Dillbeck, M. C. (1977). The effect of the transcendental meditation technique on anxiety level.
Journal of Clinical Psychology. 33. Retrieved From: https://www.sbpjournal.com/index.php/sbp/article/view/1825
A total of 33 volunteers, with an average age of 21.7 years were assigned randomly to
two different groups. Group A, a relaxation group, and Group B, a meditation group.
After an initial measurement of anxiety was taken using the Trait scale of the State-Trait
Anxiety Inventory, Group A was instructed to spend two 15 to 20-minute periods of
relaxation daily. The instructions for relaxation were to sit comfortably upright with eyes
closed and not to attempt to focus the mind on anything. Group B took a standard course
of instruction on the Transcendental Meditation technique and practiced it sitting upright
with eyes closed for two 15-20-minute periods daily. Each of the participants were given
a calendar form on which they reported on which they reported each of the times they
either relaxed or meditated.
The results found that compared to the participants that only merely relaxed daily,
participants that practiced the TM technique reported a significant reduction in anxiety.
The hypothesis that participants who were practicing the TM technique would exhibit a
significant anxiety reduction when compared to participants that merely relaxed for the
same periods of time was supported.

Elder, C., & Nidich S., & Colbert, R. (2011). Reduced psychological distress in racial and ethnic
minority students practicing the transcendental meditation program. Journal of
Instructional Psychology, 38. Retrieved from: http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ952157
A study was conducted on a group of 106 high school students averaging 16 years old
from four public schools located in Connecticut, South Dakota, and Arizona. 48% of the
participants were male. 87% of the participants were of a minority group. 26% were
Hispanic, 25% African American, and 19% American Indian. Students were thought the
Transcendental Meditation technique in a standard seven-step course. The participants
then practiced the technique twice a day at school for 10-15 minutes and encouraged to
practice TM as well. The Spiel Berger State-trait Anxiety Inventory for children was used
to measure stress levels and The Mental Health Inventory (MHI)-5 was used to assess
overall mental health and depressive symptoms.
The results showed a significant improvement in study outcomes. Specifically, anxiety
was emotional symptoms were those in which significant reductions were found. Overall,

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this study indicated that the practice of transcendental meditation is effective in reducing
psychological distress in racial and ethnic minority high school students. Main findings
included huge reductions in TM group problems as opposed to the control group. Results
were consistent through all of the minority groups. The TM technique suggests a holistic,
pragmatic, and effective tool to combat stress and stress related symptoms.
Orme-Johnson, D. W., & Barnes, V. A. (2014). Effects of the transcendental meditation technique
on trait anxiety: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of
Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 20. doi: 10.1089/acm.2013.0204
600+ TM effectiveness research papers were analyzed using the Comprehensive Metaanalysis (CMA) program. This was done with the intention of updating previous metaanalysis that assessed the initial anxiety level, age, duration of practice, regularity of
practice, research quality, author affiliation and type of control group on effect sizes.
The effectiveness of transcendental meditation is dependent on participants initial
anxiety levels. For participants in the 90th percentile, anxiety reduction Is large. This also
applies to levels of depression and blood pressure. Overall, TM practice is more effective
than treatment as usual and most alternative treatments, with the most significant effects
observed in participants with high anxiety. Reductions in neuroticism and autonomic
stress reactivity were not shown to a significant reduction through TM. Long term effects
of TM are linked to reductions in heart attacks, strokes and death.