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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
08:16
Combining Behavior and EEG to Study the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Episodic Memory
Published on: May 11, 2020
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Effect of meditation on psychological distress and brain functioning: A randomized controlled study
Fred Travis1, Laurent Valosek2, Arthur Konrad3
1Center for Wellness & Achievement in Education, United States; Center for Brain Consciousness and Cognition, Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, IA, United States.
Brain and Cognition
|June 25, 2018
Summary
The Transcendental Meditation (TM) program improved psychological well-being in government employees by reducing distress and enhancing brain integration. This mind-body technique demonstrated effectiveness in a workplace setting.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- Psychological stability and brain integration are crucial for individual health and organizational effectiveness.
- The Transcendental Meditation (TM) program is a mind-body technique explored for its potential benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program enhances EEG brain integration and positive affect.
- To assess the TM program's ability to decrease psychological distress in government employees.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 96 government employees assigned to TM or a wait-list control.
- Participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire and a subset (N=79) underwent EEG recordings for Brain Integration Scale (BIS) scores.
Main Results:
- TM participants showed significant reductions in total mood disturbance, anxiety, anger, depression, fatigue, and confusion.
- A significant increase in vigor was observed in the TM group, alongside improved BIS scores in the EEG subgroup.
- High compliance (93%) was reported for the meditation practice.
Conclusions:
- The Transcendental Meditation (TM) program is a feasible and effective intervention for government employees.
- TM implementation can lead to improved brain integration, enhanced positive affect, and reduced psychological distress in a workplace context.
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