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2. Description of selected studies:
Improved intellectual functioning, enhanced well-being, and improved behaviour in students
• Development of intelligence – Increased IQ (intelligence quotient) among university students. University students who regularly practised the Transcendental Meditation Programme increased significantly in intelligence and in the ability to make rapid choice decisions compared to control students (7). This finding corroborates other studies showing increased IQ and faster choice reaction through practice of Transcendental Meditation.
• Increased intelligence and improved mental and physical health among students preparing for university studies. Among Cambodian students taking one year of preparatory study before beginning their university degree programmes, one group learned the practice of Transcendental Meditation, while the others did not. Students who learned the Transcendental Meditation programme showed increased intelligence over the course of three months in contrast to the control students (102). Those who learned Transcendental Meditation also showed improved physical health, decreased depression, decreased anxiety, and increased self-esteem in contrast to two groups of control students (84).
• Improved academic achievement, cognitive abilities, creativity, and self- esteem in university and secondary students. Longitudinal research on Transcendental Meditation at the university and secondary levels shows increased development of intellectual ability, creativity, field independence (ability to maintain broad comprehension and sharp focus at the same time), academic achievement, and self-esteem (3, 4, 7, 15, 19–21); improved self development to uniquely high levels (50, 100); and increased self-actualisation (38–40).
• Reduced substance abuse. Numerous studies with college students, high school students, and adults have shown reduction in substance abuse and antisocial behaviour through Transcendental Meditation. A special issue of the journal Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly (80) was devoted entirely to the effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique in reducing substance abuse. The research findings show reduction in usage of all classes of illegal drugs, as well as of alcohol, cigarettes, and prescribed drugs.
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