Expectation and Meditation

Abstract

94 prospective meditators were administered 2 14-item questionnaires to ascertain their present perceived-selves and their expectations of Transcendental Meditation on 3 occasions: (1) just before 2 introductory talks on meditation, (2) just after these talks, and (3)7 mo. later on follow-up. 36 subjects decided against taking up meditation. Analysis of variance and correlations showed that those who took up meditation were older, initially had more negative perceived-selves, and had higher expectations. In general, a more positive perceived-self at retest and high expectations at the 3 testing periods were related to a high frequency of meditation practice. Frequent practice, in turn, was related to improved perceived-self and increased expectation scores on follow-up. Younger subjects appeared to be more suggestible (responded more positively to the talks); on follow-up they meditated more frequently, had more positive perceived-selves, and were more likely to report an improved perceived-self compared with their initial pre-talk scores, than older subjects.