Improve your Emotion Behaviour

School teachers who underwent a short but intensive program of meditation are less depressed, anxious or stressed - and more compassionate and aware of others' feelings, according to a study led by UCSF which blended ancient meditation practices with the latest scientific methods to regulate emotions.

Teachers who practice meditation in a short but intense program more calm and loving, according to a new study led by UCSF.

A core feature of many religions, meditation is practiced by tens of millions around the world as part of their spiritual beliefs as well as to alleviate psychological problems, improve self-awareness and clear the mind. Previous studies have linked meditation to positive changes in blood pressure, metabolism and pain, but little is known about the specific emotional changes that result from the practice.

How the study was conducted

The new study is designed to create new techniques to reduce destructive emotions while improving social and emotional behavior. The study will be published in the journal Emotion. Margaret Kemeny, PhD

"The findings suggest that increased awareness of mental processes can influence emotional behavior," said lead author Margaret Kemeny, PhD, director of the Health Psychology Program at the UCSF Department of Psychiatry. "This study is very important because opportunities for reflection and contemplation seem to be fading in quickly, our technology-based culture."

Overall, 82 female school teachers between the ages of 25 and 60 participated in this project. Teachers selected for their jobs because of stress and meditation skills they learned could be immediately useful for everyday life, it may trickle down to benefit their students.