Gallup and The Art of Living Collaborate for Global Meditation Study
Groundbreaking Global Study on Meditation and Wellbeing by Gallup and The Art of Living
In an unprecedented move, Gallup and The Art of Living have rolled out a comprehensive global study set to unveil new insights into meditation's impact on wellbeing. This pioneering initiative coincides with the upcoming World Meditation Day, observed on December 21st, which emphasizes the growing recognition of meditation's role in fostering mental health globally.
The partnership marks a significant collaboration between Gallup, renowned for its extensive survey research, and The Art of Living, which boasts a rich legacy in promoting meditation and wellness across more than 180 countries. By integrating innovative questions related to meditation into the World Poll, this effort will yield valuable data regarding meditation practices and their correlation with emotional health.
Gallup's managing director, Ilana Ron Levey, emphasized the pressing need for reliable data in understanding how meditation is practiced worldwide, stating, "Despite substantial global investment in wellbeing and mental health, the world still lacks enough reliable data on how people engage with meditation." This study aims to fill that gap and provide empirical evidence regarding the role of meditation in improving people’s daily lives.
A Step Towards Measuring Wellbeing
The endeavor seeks to create a rich dataset that will examine how meditation fits into various aspects of daily life concerning emotional, social, and life-evaluation dimensions. Given that Gallup has conducted nearly four million interviews worldwide since 2005, the organization stands poised to offer a comprehensive look into how meditation influences wellbeing on a global scale.
According to the recently released "State of the World's Emotional Health 2025" report, nearly 39% of adults express worries, and 37% report experiencing stress—figures that have risen over the past decade. These findings accentuate the urgency of exploring meditation as a potential antidote to significant emotional distress prevalent across various communities.
Rob Trombold, President of The Art of Living, expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, "This study signals an important step toward understanding wellbeing not as an abstract ideal, but as something that can be observed, measured, and strengthened across societies."
Diverse Insights Across Cultures
As part of this initiative, researchers will delve into how different regions, cultures, and demographic groups engage with meditation. This exploration is expected to yield a wealth of knowledge about how meditation practices vary globally, alongside insights into their connection with broader life domains and daily interactions.
Gallup, together with The Art of Living, aims to provide the education and community leaders with robust data that can inform effective wellbeing strategies. The ultimate goal of this study is not only to gather insights but also to foster a global discourse around mental health and the practices that can promote emotional wellbeing.
Anticipated Global Results
The world eagerly awaits the findings, which will be shared on World Meditation Day in December 2026. The insights gained from this study will serve as a critical resource for educators, community leaders, government officials, and health systems worldwide, underlining the connection between meditation and improved wellbeing.
On December 21, as part of the United Nations' observance of World Meditation Day, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of The Art of Living Foundation, will lead both in-person and online meditation sessions from New York City, aiming to unite individuals for a collective moment of reflection and peace.
This landmark study signifies a pivotal movement towards a better understanding of how meditation can enhance public health and individual wellbeing on a global scale, potentially guiding international policies and mental health initiatives into the future. The collaboration between Gallup and The Art of Living stands as a testament to the power of teamwork in tackling the world's pressing health challenges.