Title:Improvement in Cognitive Abilities, Mental and Emotional Wellbeing of Teenagers following a Meditation Retreat: An Open- Trial Pilot Study
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Author(s): Divya Kanchibhotla*, Saumya Subramanian and Shashank Kulkarni
Affiliation:
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, SSIAR, OPP Art of Living International Centre, Udipalya,India
Keywords:
Meditation retreat, teenagers, mental health, cognition, emotional well-being, anxiety.
Abstract:
Background: Today’s teenagers face several challenges that result in
poor mental health, depression and anxiety. Several studies in the past decade have
explored meditation as adjunctive therapy for mental illness however, the long-term
residual benefits of meditation have rarely been studied.
Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the benefits of a four day
meditation retreat on cognitive abilities, mental and emotional well-being of
teenagers.
Methods: 303 teenagers participated in this study. Cognitive abilities of the
students were measured using the Six letter cancellation test (SLCT). Mental and
emotional well-being was measured using World Health Organization Well-being
index (WHO-5) and Strength and Difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), respectively.
Data analysis was performed using paired sample t-test and repeated measure
ANOVA.
Results: Teenagers demonstrated a 33% increase in average accuracy for SLCT
post intervention. WHO-5 mental well-being index scores also increased
significantly (p <0.001). The participants experienced a significant reduction in
emotional problems and hyperactivity as measured by SDQ. The benefits of the
retreat continued to persist, when measured after 40 days of the intervention.
Conclusion: A well-structured meditation retreat has significant and long-term
benefits on teenagers’ mental well-being, emotional stability and cognitive capacity.
