5. Unique effectiveness of Transcendental Meditation
verified by meta-analyses that combine
many research findings in one study
The most powerful and rigorous method for drawing conclusions from a large body of scientific research is the statistical procedure of meta-analysis. Four such meta-analyses have been published on the effects of the Transcendental Meditation programme in comparison to other techniques:
(1) Physiological rest. A meta-analysis published in American Psychologist reviewed the results of 31 studies, and found that Transcendental Meditation produces more than twice the degree of physiological rest than is produced by simply sitting with eyes closed (98).
(2) Reduced trait anxiety. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology reviewed 146 research findings, and found Transcendental Meditation to produce more than twice the reduction in trait anxiety (i.e., chronic stress) than produced by other techniques (65).
(3) Increased self-actualization. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Social Behavior and Personality showed Transcendental Meditation to increase self-actualisation by three times as large an effect as that of other techniques (40).
(4) Reduced substance abuse. Another meta-analysis, published in Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, showed the practice of Transcendental Meditation to result in a greater and more lasting reduction in consumption of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes than other techniques or preventive education programmes (69).
These meta-analysis studies verify that the Transcendental Meditation programme is unique in its holistic benefits. It is unique because the programme develops all levels of individual life – body, senses, mind, intellect, ego – by enlivening their common basis, Transcendental Consciousness.
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