Date of Conferral

3-3-2025

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Anthony Perry

Abstract

Transcendental meditation (TM) is a unique meditation practice that uses a personal mantra to help the practitioner create a quiet state of mind, greater mental clarity, better concentration, and emotional control. TM has not been examined for its value to help students academically and socially. In this generic qualitative study, high school students and their guardians were asked to describe the meaning of TM practice in their academic and social life. The competencies of social emotional learning (SEL) theory were utilized as the conceptual framework to guide the study’s methodology. Data from semistructured interviews with six students and five guardians was analyzed using Saldana’s emotional, in vivo, and value coding strategies and the SEL competencies. Six primary themes emerged from analysis. Five were shared by both students and guardians: peer and family introduction to TM, enhancing academic performance, stress relief and resilience, building relationships, and positive perspectives and recommendations. The sixth theme, unique to students, was personal growth. These findings suggest that TM practice could serve as a transformative tool for improving emotional regulation, relationships, and academic success in high school students. The study’s implications for positive social change include integrating TM practice as a SEL school program to foster healthier, more supportive environments. The benefits students and parents described can be shared through research publications, school initiatives, and community discussions to further promote awareness and implementation.

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