Effect of Meditation on Emotional Intelligence and Perceived Stress in the Workplace

A Randomized Controlled Study

ABSTRACT

Context

Research highlights the role of emotional intelligence and perceived stress as important factors associated with mental and physical health and organizational effectiveness.

Objective

To determine whether a mind-body technique, the Transcendental Meditationa (TM) program, delivered in the context of a workplace wellness program, could significantly decrease perceived stress and improve emotional intelligence in government employees.

Design

Ninety-six central-office staff at the San Francisco Unified School District were randomly assigned to either an immediate start of the TM program or to a wait-list control group.

Main Outcome Measures

The Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory and the Perceived Stress Scale were administered at baseline and at 4-month posttest.

Results

Findings indicate a significant increase in emotional intelligence total score (p < 0.003) and a significant decrease in perceived stress (p < 0.02) in TM participants compared with controls. A significant increase in general mood, stress management, adaptability, intrapersonal awareness, and reality testing composite scales for emotional intelligence were observed (p < 0.05); a significant increase was not observed in the interpersonal scale. Compliance with meditation practice was high (93%). Because of the sex composition in this study, results are most generalizable to female employees.

Conclusion

The TM program was effective as a workplace wellness program to improve emotional intelligence and reduce perceived stress in employees.

Permanente Journal 2018

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