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VOL. 7, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Meditation and student health: A comprehensive review of psychological, cognitive, and physiological benefits
Authors
Maninder Kaur, Rajesh Arora, Gurdarshan Singh Rangra, Rai Singh Dhillon
Abstract
In recent years, students have been
experiencing an alarming rise in psychological and physiological stress due to
a confluence of academic competition, excessive screen time, social media
exposure, peer pressure, and increasingly erratic lifestyle habits. These
factors not only affect their academic engagement but also severely compromise
their mental health, emotional balance, and overall quality of life. As
traditional interventions such as counseling or medication may not be
universally accessible or free from side effects, there is an urgent need for
alternative, holistic approaches to student wellness. Meditation has gained
growing attention as a non-invasive, cost-effective, and scientifically
supported practice capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by
students. Rooted in ancient traditions but validated by modern neuroscience and
psychological research, meditation enhances emotional resilience, regulates
stress, improves cognitive performance, and supports physical health. This
review synthesizes findings from six empirical studies conducted in Indian
educational settings, encompassing school and college students, and integrates
insights from broader global literature. It explores the diverse forms of
meditation such as mindfulness, transcendental, loving-kindness, and guided
practices and their demonstrated effects on emotional regulation, academic
achievement, cognitive development, and physiological well-being. The analysis
reveals consistent, positive outcomes across psychological, cognitive, and
physical domains, supporting the integration of structured meditation programs
in educational environments. The review also discusses practical implications,
implementation challenges, and future directions for research and policy.
Overall, it underscores the transformative potential of meditation in fostering
healthier, more focused, and emotionally stable student populations, and
advocates for its broader adoption in schools and higher education
institutions.
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Pages:59-64
How to cite this article:
Maninder Kaur, Rajesh Arora, Gurdarshan Singh Rangra, Rai Singh Dhillon "Meditation and student health: A comprehensive review of psychological, cognitive, and physiological benefits". International Journal of Social Science and Humanities, Vol 7, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 59-64
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