Outline of a meditating person with spiritual elements

Study on the effect of transcendental meditation on depression

Marie Loiselle

January 2023

Burn-out prevention / prophylaxis

The 2023 research study was the first to investigate the effects of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on burnout and depression in academic physicians.

Both conditions are widespread in this professional group and have an impact on individuals and institutions. The sample for the randomized controlled mixed-methods study consisted of 40 academic physicians from 15 specialties.

At the beginning, after one month and after four months, scores were determined using various methods, such as the Maslach Burnout Inventory or the Beck Depression Inventory. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted at the beginning and after four months and compared with the quantitative measurements.

The results clearly show that the TM group showed significant improvements in burnout and depression compared to the control group. Qualitative interviews supported the quantitative results. This suggests that the TM technique may be an effective intervention for reducing burnout and depression in academic physicians, although further studies are needed to confirm these results.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Depression, burnout
Institution: Maharishi International University, Fairfield, IA, USA
Title: Study on the effect of transcendental meditation on depression
Brief description: A study shows that transcendental meditation can significantly reduce burnout and depression in academic physicians.
Original title: Effects of Transcendental Meditation on Academic Physician Burnout and Depression: A Mixed Methods Randomized Controlled Trial
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36702122/