American University in D.C. Launches $1.2 Million
Research Project to Study Effects of the
Transcendental Meditation Program in Student Life

Researchers at American University in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with Maharishi International University Research Institute and the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy at M.U.M., have launched a two-year, $1.2 million research study of the effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on student life (see www.AU-TM-Study.org). The study will assess the impact of TM practice on student health and development—intellectual, social, emotional, and academic. Students at several other D.C.-area universities, including Georgetown, George Washington, Howard, George Mason, Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland, and Corcoran School of Art + Design, are also participating in the study.

Previous pilot studies have found that the Transcendental Meditation program reduces classroom stress and other psychological disorders; improves physical and mental health, including the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and negative health behaviors; decreases learning disorders such as ADHD; enhances intellectual development and academic achievement. The present landmark research study at American University will build on these earlier findings through a large-scale research and demonstration project that will evaluate the effects of TM practice on brain, behavior, and health simultaneously.

The principal investigators for the project are Dr. Robert Schneider, Director of the Maharishi International University Research Institute, and Professor David Haaga of the Department of Psychology at American University. Dr. John Hagelin, Director of the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy at M.U.M., is also contributing his leadership and expertise to the study.

For a comprehensive overview and description of this project, including methodology and timeline, academic endorsements, and supporting media coverage of the TM program, please visit http://www.AU-TM-Study.org.