Changing stress mindsets with a novel imagery intervention: A randomized controlled trial
Jacob J Keech1, Martin S Hagger2, Kyra Hamilton1
1School of Applied Psychology.
Emotion (Washington, D.C.)
|October 1, 2019
Summary
This study shows a new imagery intervention effectively changed university students' stress mindset. This stress mindset shift improved academic performance and well-being for students with high distress.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Stress Management
- Cognitive Behavioral Interventions
Background:
- Changing stress mindset is a potential stress management technique.
- Limited research exists on its real-world effectiveness beyond a few days.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel imagery-based intervention for changing stress mindset.
- To assess the intervention's impact on stress-related outcomes over two weeks.
Main Methods:
- A preregistered randomized controlled trial was conducted with 150 university students.
- Participants attended two lab sessions over two weeks, receiving either the intervention or control stimuli.
- Measures included stress mindset, perceived distress, affect, proactive behavior, and academic performance.
Main Results:
- A large effect was found in changing stress mindset immediately post-intervention and at follow-up.
- The intervention robustly improved outcomes for students with high baseline distress, including academic performance.
- Effects were not significant across the entire sample.
Conclusions:
- The imagery intervention shows promise for altering stress mindset.
- Modifying stress mindset can positively influence coping with real-world stressors.
- Future research should explore momentary stress mindset activation and responses.
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