Thesis Chapters by Theresa M . Olson
Dissertation (Chapters 3-5, out of 7), 1995
This dissertation presents both a theoretical understanding of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music and... more This dissertation presents both a theoretical understanding of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music and some exploratory research on its integrating effects for the listener. Five different experiments investigated the hypothesis that Maharishi Gandharva Veda music would increase psychophysiological balance as indicated by improvements in affect, physiology, and behavior. Experiment 1 measured immediate pre-post effects of five live concerts (N= 697), using a self-report Likert rating scale describing balanced and imbalanced affect. Results indicated (1) the concerts significantly balanced affect, (2) females and males exhibited significantly different patterns of balance, and (3) greater pre-post effects occurred with evening performances. Experiment 2 examined possible confounds of Experiment 1. Results showed no social compliance effects and that unfamiliarity with Maharishi Gandharva Veda music did not counteract its balancing effects.
Experiments 3-4 looked at effects on EEG, heart rate, and pulse in two case studies. In the first case, Maharishi Gandharva Veda music improved psychophysiological balance as indicated by increased global EEG alpha and theta activity and by changes in the subject’s Maharishi Ayur-Vedic pulse. This EEG pattern is similar to that produced in Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation technique. In the second case frontal beta increased, possibly being associated with bliss during the subject’s deepest experience.
Experiment 5 measured immediate effects of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music on a psychiatric, institutionalized geriatric population. 27 subjects, randomly assigned to two groups, listened to 20 min selections of either Maharishi Gandharva Veda music or Western Baroque music five days a week for eight weeks. Previous investigators have shown that the Western Baroque selections had significant therapeutic effects. Dependent variables were the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Fairview Self-Help Scale, and structured observations. No significant differences were found between groups for the rating scales, indicating Maharishi Gandharva Veda music was at least as therapeutic in value as Western Baroque. Structured observations indicated the Maharishi Gandharva Veda group demonstrated greater improvement in social behavior.
Together, the five experiments suggest Maharishi Gandharva Veda music can be a powerful tool for balancing the individual’s mind, body, and behavior. Further research is needed to confirm these initial findings.
Dissertation (Chap 6 to end, of 7 Chapters), 1995
ABSTRACT
This dissertation presents both a theoretical understanding of Maharishi Gandharva Veda ... more ABSTRACT
This dissertation presents both a theoretical understanding of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music and some exploratory research on its integrating effects for the listener. Five different experiments investigated the hypothesis that Maharishi Gandharva Veda music would increase psychophysiological balance as indicated by improvements in affect, physiology, and behavior. Experiment 1 measured immediate pre-post effects of five live concerts (N= 697), using a self-report Likert rating scale describing balanced and imbalanced affect. Results indicated (1) the concerts significantly balanced affect, (2) females and males exhibited significantly different patterns of balance, and (3) greater pre-post effects occurred with evening performances. Experiment 2 examined possible confounds of Experiment 1. Results showed no social compliance effects and that unfamiliarity with Maharishi Gandharva Veda music did not counteract its balancing effects.
Experiments 3-4 looked at effects on EEG, heart rate, and pulse in two case studies. In the first case, Maharishi Gandharva Veda music improved psychophysiological balance as indicated by increased global EEG alpha and theta activity and by changes in the subject’s Maharishi Ayur-Vedic pulse. This EEG pattern is similar to that produced in Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation technique. In the second case frontal beta increased, possibly being associated with bliss during the subject’s deepest experience.
Experiment 5 measured immediate effects of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music on a psychiatric, institutionalized geriatric population. 27 subjects, randomly assigned to two groups, listened to 20 min selections of either Maharishi Gandharva Veda music or Western Baroque music five days a week for eight weeks. Previous investigators have shown that the Western Baroque selections had significant therapeutic effects. Dependent variables were the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Fairview Self-Help Scale, and structured observations. No significant differences were found between groups for the rating scales, indicating Maharishi Gandharva Veda music was at least as therapeutic in value as Western Baroque. Structured observations indicated the Maharishi Gandharva Veda group demonstrated greater improvement in social behavior.
Together, the five experiments suggest Maharishi Gandharva Veda music can be a powerful tool for balancing the individual’s mind, body, and behavior. Further research is needed to confirm these initial findings.
PhD. Dissertation for Maharishi International University (Chapters 1-2, out of 7), 1995
This dissertation presents both a theoretical understanding of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music and... more This dissertation presents both a theoretical understanding of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music and some exploratory research on its integrating effects for the listener. Five different experiments investigated the hypothesis that Maharishi Gandharva Veda music would increase psychophysiological balance as indicated by improvements in affect, physiology, and behavior. Experiment 1 measured immediate pre-post effects of five live concerts (N= 697), using a self-report Likert rating scale describing balanced and imbalanced affect. Results indicated (1) the concerts significantly balanced affect, (2) females and males exhibited significantly different patterns of balance, and (3) greater pre-post effects occurred with evening performances. Experiment 2 examined possible confounds of Experiment 1. Results showed no social compliance effects and that unfamiliarity with Maharishi Gandharva Veda music did not counteract its balancing effects.
Experiments 3-4 looked at effects on EEG, heart rate, and pulse in two case studies. In the first case, Maharishi Gandharva Veda music improved psychophysiological balance as indicated by increased global EEG alpha and theta activity and by changes in the subject’s Maharishi Ayur-Vedic pulse. This EEG pattern is similar to that produced in Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation technique. In the second case frontal beta increased, possibly being associated with bliss during the subject’s deepest experience.
Experiment 5 measured immediate effects of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music on a psychiatric, institutionalized geriatric population. 27 subjects, randomly assigned to two groups, listened to 20 min selections of either Maharishi Gandharva Veda music or Western Baroque music five days a week for eight weeks. Previous investigators have shown that the Western Baroque selections had significant therapeutic effects. Dependent variables were the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Fairview Self-Help Scale, and structured observations. No significant differences were found between groups for the rating scales, indicating Maharishi Gandharva Veda music was at least as therapeutic in value as Western Baroque. Structured observations indicated the Maharishi Gandharva Veda group demonstrated greater improvement in social behavior.
Together, the five experiments suggest Maharishi Gandharva Veda music can be a powerful tool for balancing the individual’s mind, body, and behavior. Further research is needed to confirm these initial findings.
Papers by Theresa M . Olson
Research into the effectiveness of treatment modalities of the traditional medical system of Ayur... more Research into the effectiveness of treatment modalities of the traditional medical system of Ayur-Veda can be aided by access to a self-report questionnaire based on the dosha or "temperament " theory of Ayur-Veda. Fifteen adjective pairs were selected to create bipolar Likert-type scales that purport to capture psychophysiological "state " as deter-mined by the subject’s self-report. A sample of 931 varied subjects completed the self-report questionnaire at least twice, with an intervening musical experience. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient indicated only one adjectival pair failed the test of internal consistency. It was removed from further analysis. Factor analysis showed that the hypothesized grouping of adjectives matched the three temperaments or doshas of Ayur-Veda theory brough out by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This included a test-retest comparison of the factor loadings, as well as comparisons of two diverse subject subpopulations. Historical trends in temper...
Complementary Health Practice Review, 1999
Alternative Health Practioner, 1999
Research into the effectiveness of treatment modalities of the traditional medical system of Ayur... more Research into the effectiveness of treatment modalities of the traditional medical system of Ayur-Veda can be aided by access to a self-report questionnaire based on the dosha or "temperament" theory of Ayur-Veda. Fifteen adjective pairs were selected to create bipolar Likert-type scales that purport to capture psychophysiological "state" as determined by the subject's self-report. A sample of 931 varied subjects completed the self-report questionnaire at least twice, with an intervening musical experience. Cronbach's alpha coefficient indicated only one adjectival pair failed the test of internal consistency. It was removed from further analysis. Factor analysis showed that the hypothesized grouping of adjectives matched the three temperaments or doshas of Ayur-Veda theory brough out by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This included a test-retest comparison of the factor loadings, as well as comparisons of two diverse subject subpopulations. Historical trends in temperament theory are covered to aid understanding of the construct validity of the questionnaire.
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Thesis Chapters by Theresa M . Olson
Experiments 3-4 looked at effects on EEG, heart rate, and pulse in two case studies. In the first case, Maharishi Gandharva Veda music improved psychophysiological balance as indicated by increased global EEG alpha and theta activity and by changes in the subject’s Maharishi Ayur-Vedic pulse. This EEG pattern is similar to that produced in Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation technique. In the second case frontal beta increased, possibly being associated with bliss during the subject’s deepest experience.
Experiment 5 measured immediate effects of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music on a psychiatric, institutionalized geriatric population. 27 subjects, randomly assigned to two groups, listened to 20 min selections of either Maharishi Gandharva Veda music or Western Baroque music five days a week for eight weeks. Previous investigators have shown that the Western Baroque selections had significant therapeutic effects. Dependent variables were the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Fairview Self-Help Scale, and structured observations. No significant differences were found between groups for the rating scales, indicating Maharishi Gandharva Veda music was at least as therapeutic in value as Western Baroque. Structured observations indicated the Maharishi Gandharva Veda group demonstrated greater improvement in social behavior.
Together, the five experiments suggest Maharishi Gandharva Veda music can be a powerful tool for balancing the individual’s mind, body, and behavior. Further research is needed to confirm these initial findings.
This dissertation presents both a theoretical understanding of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music and some exploratory research on its integrating effects for the listener. Five different experiments investigated the hypothesis that Maharishi Gandharva Veda music would increase psychophysiological balance as indicated by improvements in affect, physiology, and behavior. Experiment 1 measured immediate pre-post effects of five live concerts (N= 697), using a self-report Likert rating scale describing balanced and imbalanced affect. Results indicated (1) the concerts significantly balanced affect, (2) females and males exhibited significantly different patterns of balance, and (3) greater pre-post effects occurred with evening performances. Experiment 2 examined possible confounds of Experiment 1. Results showed no social compliance effects and that unfamiliarity with Maharishi Gandharva Veda music did not counteract its balancing effects.
Experiments 3-4 looked at effects on EEG, heart rate, and pulse in two case studies. In the first case, Maharishi Gandharva Veda music improved psychophysiological balance as indicated by increased global EEG alpha and theta activity and by changes in the subject’s Maharishi Ayur-Vedic pulse. This EEG pattern is similar to that produced in Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation technique. In the second case frontal beta increased, possibly being associated with bliss during the subject’s deepest experience.
Experiment 5 measured immediate effects of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music on a psychiatric, institutionalized geriatric population. 27 subjects, randomly assigned to two groups, listened to 20 min selections of either Maharishi Gandharva Veda music or Western Baroque music five days a week for eight weeks. Previous investigators have shown that the Western Baroque selections had significant therapeutic effects. Dependent variables were the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Fairview Self-Help Scale, and structured observations. No significant differences were found between groups for the rating scales, indicating Maharishi Gandharva Veda music was at least as therapeutic in value as Western Baroque. Structured observations indicated the Maharishi Gandharva Veda group demonstrated greater improvement in social behavior.
Together, the five experiments suggest Maharishi Gandharva Veda music can be a powerful tool for balancing the individual’s mind, body, and behavior. Further research is needed to confirm these initial findings.
Experiments 3-4 looked at effects on EEG, heart rate, and pulse in two case studies. In the first case, Maharishi Gandharva Veda music improved psychophysiological balance as indicated by increased global EEG alpha and theta activity and by changes in the subject’s Maharishi Ayur-Vedic pulse. This EEG pattern is similar to that produced in Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation technique. In the second case frontal beta increased, possibly being associated with bliss during the subject’s deepest experience.
Experiment 5 measured immediate effects of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music on a psychiatric, institutionalized geriatric population. 27 subjects, randomly assigned to two groups, listened to 20 min selections of either Maharishi Gandharva Veda music or Western Baroque music five days a week for eight weeks. Previous investigators have shown that the Western Baroque selections had significant therapeutic effects. Dependent variables were the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Fairview Self-Help Scale, and structured observations. No significant differences were found between groups for the rating scales, indicating Maharishi Gandharva Veda music was at least as therapeutic in value as Western Baroque. Structured observations indicated the Maharishi Gandharva Veda group demonstrated greater improvement in social behavior.
Together, the five experiments suggest Maharishi Gandharva Veda music can be a powerful tool for balancing the individual’s mind, body, and behavior. Further research is needed to confirm these initial findings.
Papers by Theresa M . Olson
Experiments 3-4 looked at effects on EEG, heart rate, and pulse in two case studies. In the first case, Maharishi Gandharva Veda music improved psychophysiological balance as indicated by increased global EEG alpha and theta activity and by changes in the subject’s Maharishi Ayur-Vedic pulse. This EEG pattern is similar to that produced in Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation technique. In the second case frontal beta increased, possibly being associated with bliss during the subject’s deepest experience.
Experiment 5 measured immediate effects of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music on a psychiatric, institutionalized geriatric population. 27 subjects, randomly assigned to two groups, listened to 20 min selections of either Maharishi Gandharva Veda music or Western Baroque music five days a week for eight weeks. Previous investigators have shown that the Western Baroque selections had significant therapeutic effects. Dependent variables were the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Fairview Self-Help Scale, and structured observations. No significant differences were found between groups for the rating scales, indicating Maharishi Gandharva Veda music was at least as therapeutic in value as Western Baroque. Structured observations indicated the Maharishi Gandharva Veda group demonstrated greater improvement in social behavior.
Together, the five experiments suggest Maharishi Gandharva Veda music can be a powerful tool for balancing the individual’s mind, body, and behavior. Further research is needed to confirm these initial findings.
This dissertation presents both a theoretical understanding of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music and some exploratory research on its integrating effects for the listener. Five different experiments investigated the hypothesis that Maharishi Gandharva Veda music would increase psychophysiological balance as indicated by improvements in affect, physiology, and behavior. Experiment 1 measured immediate pre-post effects of five live concerts (N= 697), using a self-report Likert rating scale describing balanced and imbalanced affect. Results indicated (1) the concerts significantly balanced affect, (2) females and males exhibited significantly different patterns of balance, and (3) greater pre-post effects occurred with evening performances. Experiment 2 examined possible confounds of Experiment 1. Results showed no social compliance effects and that unfamiliarity with Maharishi Gandharva Veda music did not counteract its balancing effects.
Experiments 3-4 looked at effects on EEG, heart rate, and pulse in two case studies. In the first case, Maharishi Gandharva Veda music improved psychophysiological balance as indicated by increased global EEG alpha and theta activity and by changes in the subject’s Maharishi Ayur-Vedic pulse. This EEG pattern is similar to that produced in Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation technique. In the second case frontal beta increased, possibly being associated with bliss during the subject’s deepest experience.
Experiment 5 measured immediate effects of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music on a psychiatric, institutionalized geriatric population. 27 subjects, randomly assigned to two groups, listened to 20 min selections of either Maharishi Gandharva Veda music or Western Baroque music five days a week for eight weeks. Previous investigators have shown that the Western Baroque selections had significant therapeutic effects. Dependent variables were the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Fairview Self-Help Scale, and structured observations. No significant differences were found between groups for the rating scales, indicating Maharishi Gandharva Veda music was at least as therapeutic in value as Western Baroque. Structured observations indicated the Maharishi Gandharva Veda group demonstrated greater improvement in social behavior.
Together, the five experiments suggest Maharishi Gandharva Veda music can be a powerful tool for balancing the individual’s mind, body, and behavior. Further research is needed to confirm these initial findings.
Experiments 3-4 looked at effects on EEG, heart rate, and pulse in two case studies. In the first case, Maharishi Gandharva Veda music improved psychophysiological balance as indicated by increased global EEG alpha and theta activity and by changes in the subject’s Maharishi Ayur-Vedic pulse. This EEG pattern is similar to that produced in Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation technique. In the second case frontal beta increased, possibly being associated with bliss during the subject’s deepest experience.
Experiment 5 measured immediate effects of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music on a psychiatric, institutionalized geriatric population. 27 subjects, randomly assigned to two groups, listened to 20 min selections of either Maharishi Gandharva Veda music or Western Baroque music five days a week for eight weeks. Previous investigators have shown that the Western Baroque selections had significant therapeutic effects. Dependent variables were the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Fairview Self-Help Scale, and structured observations. No significant differences were found between groups for the rating scales, indicating Maharishi Gandharva Veda music was at least as therapeutic in value as Western Baroque. Structured observations indicated the Maharishi Gandharva Veda group demonstrated greater improvement in social behavior.
Together, the five experiments suggest Maharishi Gandharva Veda music can be a powerful tool for balancing the individual’s mind, body, and behavior. Further research is needed to confirm these initial findings.