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Mind training, stress and behaviour-A randomised experiment.
Yonas Alem1, Hannah Behrendt2, Michèle Belot3
1Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Plos One
|November 12, 2021
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training effectively lowers perceived stress. However, this psychological technique showed only minor effects on participants' risk and time preferences in a 4-week study.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a psychological intervention.
- MBSR is recognized for its potential to enhance self-control and alleviate stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of MBSR on stress levels.
- To examine the effects of MBSR on risk and time preferences.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week randomized controlled trial involving 139 participants.
- One group received MBSR training; the control group watched a documentary series.
- Data collected through self-reported measures and physiological indicators, including cortisol levels.
Main Results:
- MBSR training significantly reduced participants' perceived stress.
- Limited evidence was found for MBSR's influence on risk and inter-temporal choices.
Conclusions:
- MBSR is an effective intervention for reducing perceived stress.
- Further research is needed to explore the nuanced effects of MBSR on decision-making under uncertainty and over time.
