The Effect of the Practice of Tm on the Degree of Neuroticism as Measured by the Defense Mechanism Test

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects, if any, of the practice of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program over a certain period of time on the degree of neuroticism us measured by Defense Mechanism Test (DMT). A group of 15 applicants for pilot training with the Royal Swedish Air Force (RSAF) were chosen as subjects for the investigation. They had all been rejected due to inadequate DMT results, but had in all other respects been considered very suitable by the RSAF Drafting Committee. They were offered a retake of the test, if they would practice TM or some other technique-e.g. yoga or autogenic training -that might have a positive influence on the mind. All of them reported that they were willing to do this and indicated that they intended to start TM. Later, seven of them considered themselves unable to carry out their undertaking, for the most part due to practical, concrete reasons. They were still allowed to retake the test and, in doing so, they replaced the previously planned control group. Their results were compared with the results of the eight people who had practiced TM. In the first test the results of the two groups were equivalent; the results of the retest showed a significant improvement for the TM practitioners relative to the controls. ·