The impact of self-knowledge and tamarkoz® meditation education in pharmacy doctoral training: A longitudinal study

Recent literature highlights the inadequacy of stress reduction and self-awareness skills in the professional development of healthcare students. Pharmacy educational programs report high rates of burnout and stress-related psychological impact on student well-being and academic performance. Meditative practices have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in pharmacy students. M.T.O. Sufi Psychology ® and the Tamarkoz ® meditation method are based on Sufism, a unique discipline of self-knowledge tested with college students and shown to be superior to standard stress management methods in reducing stress and improving positive emotions. This study aims to determine the effect of a 15-week Sufi Psychology and Tamarkoz elective course on pharmacy student self-awareness, perceived stress, and mindfulness. The hypothesis is that self-knowledge didactics and routine Tamarkoz practice will improve student scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10), Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire (SAOQ), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and a Lifestyle Questionnaire. The course comprised mandatory weekly didactics on Sufi Psychology and meditation sessions. Pre-, post, and five-week follow-up course scores were used to evaluate the course impact. Significant improvements were found in the PSS10 and three of the SAOQ subscales, and no significant change in the MAAS scores. The lifestyle survey showed increased frequency and duration of weekly meditation practices post-course. Follow-up results confirmed the longitudinal benefits of the course in the PSS10 and the three SAOQ subscales. This study concludes that incorporating Sufi Psychology and Tamarkoz meditation skills training in the pharmacy curriculum may significantly improve student self-awareness and stress levels during pharmacy education.