A Study of Vipassana Meditation on Adolescent Behavior Pattern

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the changes in adolescent behaviour pattern as a result of Vipassana meditation. A sample of 103 students of Lady Andal Higher Secondary and Matriculation School, Chennai, India, participated in the study spanning a period of six months. A Before-And- After Two Arm Cross Over Design was used, by which the control group also benefited from the meditation training. A questionnaire was constructed and was subjected to a factorial analysis that led to an emergence of five factors. Periodic assessments were made as conditions progressed in training programme, and the results were analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range test. A qualitative analysis based on participant's feedback was also made. Overall results indicate that the effect of meditation was individualized and influenced by the subjects' personality characteristics although the technique and method was the same for all subjects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)