The Maharishi effect: A model for social improvement. Time series analysis of a phase transition to reduced crime in Merseyside Metropolitan Area

Author(s): Deans, A. J., Cavanaugh, K. L., Ormejohnson, D. W.

Journal/Book: Psychol Crime Law. 1996; 2: C/O Stbs Ltd, PO Box 90, Reading, Berks, England RG1 8JL. Harwood Acad Publ GmbH. 165-174.

Abstract: Time series analysis was used to test the hypothesis that Merseyside crime rate was reduced by a group practising Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programme. Previous research suggests that a phase transition to increased orderliness as evidenced by reduced crime rate should occur when the group size approaches the square root of 1% of the total population. Analysis of Merseyside monthly crime data and coherence group size from 1978 to 1991 shows that a phase transition occurred during March 1988 with a 13.4% drop in crime when the group size first exceeded the root 1% or Maharishi Effect threshold (p < 0.00006). Up to 1992, Merseyside crime rate has remained steady in contrast to the national crime rate which has increased by 45%. In 1987 Merseyside had the third highest crime rate of the eleven largest Metropolitan Areas ia England and Wales; by 1992 it had the lowest crime rate, 40% below levels predicted by the previous behaviour of the series. There were 255,000 less crimes in Merseyside from 1988 to 1992 than would have been expected had Merseyside continued to follow the national crime trend. Home Office figures indicate savings to Merseyside could exceed pound 1250 million for the five year period. Demographic changes, economic variables, police practice, and other factors could not account for the changes.

Note: Article GD Hatchard, Maharishi Univ Nat Law, Mentmore Towers, Memtmore LU7 0QH, Bucks, England

Keyword(s): crime; consciousness; TM; transcendental; meditation; Maharishi; Merseyside; TM-SIDHI PROGRAM; TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION; UNIFIED FIELD; METHODOLOGICAL CRITIQUE; CONSCIOUSNESS; TECHNOLOGY; INDICATORS

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