The effect of Transcendental Meditation on self-esteem, self-efficacy, and gratitude, for increasing empowerment of female youth in Uganda.
Leslee Goldstein, Andra Marie Smith, Daniela Romagnoli, Elissa Katergi
Health care for women international January 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2024.2358789 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA longitudinal study of 130 adolescent girls living in Kampala, Uganda slums found that learning and practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique was linked to significant improvements in self-esteem, self-efficacy, gratitude, and reduced tiredness after five months. Excessive alcohol use also decreased. After eight months, participants reported better physical health, less stress and anxiety, and improved family and community relationships. The findings suggest the technique may support well-being and empowerment for vulnerable female youth.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Longitudinal study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 130 |
| Population | Female youth in the slums of Kampala, Uganda |
| Dose | 20 min twice a day |
| Duration | 5-month intervention and follow-up, with additional 8-month questionnaire |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key finding | Significant improvements in self-esteem, self-efficacy, gratitude, and reduced tiredness and excessive alcohol use were observed after five months of Transcendental Meditation practice. |
Abstract
This longitudinal study with female youth in the slums of Kampala, Uganda (n = 130), explored the impact of the Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) technique on self-esteem, the primary outcome measure, and self-efficacy, gratitude, hope, tiredness, and resilience as secondary outcomes. Quality-of-life behaviors were also assessed, including excessive alcohol use. After baseline testing participants learned TM over five consecutive days. Participants practiced TM at home for 20 min twice a day and attended two follow-up sessions. Post-testing occurred at five months. Significant improvements in self-esteem (p < .001), self-efficacy (p < .001), gratitude (p < .001), and tiredness (p = .05) were found. A decrease in excessive alcohol use was also observed (p = .02). At eight months a short answer questionnaire showed improved physical health, decreased stress and anxiety levels, and improved relationships in the family and community. Our findings have important implications for enhancing the well-being and empowerment of these vulnerable female youth.