Meditation and Emotional Intelligence

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of the Transcendental Meditation program on emotional intelligence and perceived stress in supervisors and administrative staff in a public school system

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Job Stress Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Occupational Diseases Occupational Stress Perceived Stress Stress, Psychological

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

The objective of this study was to determine whether a mind-body technique, known as the practice of Transcendental Meditation® (TM), could significantly increase emotional intelligence and decrease perceived stress in supervisors and administrative staff in a public school system. For this purpose, 96 participants from the administrative offices of the San Francisco Unified School District were randomly assigned to either immediate start of the TM program or to a delayed start wait-list control group. Subjects learning TM were instructed to meditate for 20 minutes twice a day for the four month duration of the project. All subjects were administered the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at baseline and posttest. If successful, these findings would suggest that TM could be used as a professional development program in organizations to increase emotional intelligence and decrease perceived stress, in turn enhancing leadership capacity and organizational effectiveness.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

18 years or older,
an employee of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD),
attendance at an informational meeting on the TM program,
willingness to be randomly assigned to either active treatment or the control group.

Exclusion criteria

having already learned the TM program,
not being available to attend treatment or testing sessions.

Treatment and study plan

Transcendental Meditation

Behavioral

The TM technique was taught as a standard 7 step course over 4 consecutive days. Thereafter, subjects attended bimonthly group meetings for more advanced knowledge over the four month intervention period.

Other names: TM technique

Primary outcomes

Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i)

Time frame: Change from baseline EQ-i at four months

The EQ-i is a self-report instrument that measures a range of non-cognitive capabilities, competencies, and skills that influence one's ability to succeed in coping with environmental demands and pressures.

Secondary outcomes

Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

Time frame: Change from baseline PSS at four months

The PSS is a 14-item instrument that measures the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Maharishi International University

Other

Collaborators

Center for Wellness and Achievement in Education

Registry information

Official study title

Meditation and Emotional Intelligence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start: 2009
Primary completion: 2011
Study completion: 2011
First posted: Mar 31, 2017
Registry last updated: Mar 31, 2017

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed