In a groundbreaking study featured in Health Care for Women International, researchers delve into the transformative effects of transcendental meditation (TM) on self-esteem, self-efficacy, gratitude, and quality-of-life behaviors among female adolescents living in poverty in Kampala’s slums, Uganda.
Challenges Faced by Young Women in Kampala
Young women aged 13 to 26 residing in Kampala’s slums confront formidable mental and physical hurdles. They navigate critical stages of personal development amidst economic instability, food and shelter insecurity, limited education, unemployment, gender disparities, and violence. These challenges compound to induce low self-esteem, fatigue, and an inability to cope with daily stresses.
The region currently lacks sufficient mental health resources dedicated to young females, necessitating further research into effective interventions that can empower and enhance their well-being.
Study Details
The study initially involved 150 female participants, primarily aged 13 to 19, with an average age of 16.6 years. Many participants had limited education, with 30% being illiterate, and fifteen were mothers.
Ethical considerations included obtaining informed consent from participants and guardians, with all procedures approved by relevant authorities. Instruments were translated into Luganda and adjusted for local relevance.
Participants underwent a five-day TM instruction course and practiced TM at home, supported by follow-up sessions to ensure adherence. Due to literacy challenges, data were collected through a question-and-answer format and analyzed using paired sample t-tests.
An eight-month follow-up assessed TM practice regularity, physical health, stress levels, anxiety, and changes in relationships, capturing comprehensive insights into the intervention’s impact on empowerment and well-being.
Results of the Study
Of the 146 participants who completed baseline testing, 89% also completed the five-month post-test. Following TM intervention, participants reported significant improvements in self-esteem, self-efficacy, gratitude, and a notable reduction in fatigue.
Analysis using the Adult Hope Scale revealed marked decreases in fatigue and worry. Additionally, there was a significant decline in alcohol consumption frequency, particularly among those previously consuming alcohol excessively.
At eight months, 88% of participants returned for follow-up, reporting sustained TM practice habits and improvements in physical health, stress management, anxiety reduction, and enhanced familial and social relationships. The majority practiced TM twice daily, with high compliance rates indicating its integration into daily routines.
Participants’ testimonials underscored TM’s positive impact. A 16-year-old noted improvements in health, mental clarity, academic performance, and relationships. Similarly, a 19-year-old credited TM for empowering her to pursue goals amidst adversity. Others highlighted reduced worry, improved familial cooperation, and increased confidence in managing personal and family responsibilities.
Conclusions
The study affirms that TM, through its focus on transcendence and stress reduction, significantly enhances self-esteem and empowerment among young women in Uganda. Improved health, energy levels, calmness, and social interactions demonstrate TM’s broader impact on well-being. Increased self-efficacy and gratitude further highlight enhanced coping mechanisms despite socioeconomic challenges.
Overall, TM emerges as a promising intervention in empowering female youth, fostering resilience, and promoting positive behavioral changes amidst challenging circumstances in Kampala’s slums.
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