Journal article
Changing Stress Mindsets With a Novel Imagery Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Emotion, Vol.21(1), pp.123-136
2021
Abstract
Changing individuals' stress mindset has emerged as a technique that may be effective in aiding stress management, but there is limited data on the effects of this technique in managing stress in "real-world" contexts beyond a few days. This study aimed to (a) evaluate the efficacy of a novel imagery-based intervention in changing stress mindset and (b) evaluate the effect of the intervention on stress-related outcomes, compared to a control, after 2 weeks. The study adopted a preregistered randomized controlled trial design. University students (N = 150) attended a research laboratory twice over 2 weeks, receiving the intervention or control condition stimuli in Session 1, and completing measures in both sessions. Academic performance data was collected from university records. Mixed model ANOVAs revealed a large-sized difference in stress mindset among intervention group participants immediately following the intervention and at the follow-up relative to controls. There were also robust effects of the intervention on perceived distress, positive and negative affect, proactive behavior, and academic performance at the follow-up in individuals with high baseline perceived distress, although not in the whole sample. Findings indicate that the intervention is a promising approach for changing individuals' stress mindset and that changing stress mindset can have beneficial effects on coping with ecological stressors. Future research should use intensive longitudinal designs to examine momentary activation of stress mindset and responses to ecological stress.
Details
- Title
- Changing Stress Mindsets With a Novel Imagery Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Authors
- Jacob Keech (Corresponding Author) - Griffith UniversityMartin S Hagger (Author) - University of California, United StatesKyra Hamilton (Author) - Griffith University
- Publication details
- Emotion, Vol.21(1), pp.123-136
- Publisher
- American Psychological Association
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1037/emo0000678
- ISSN
- 1528-3542; 1528-3542
- Copyright note
- Copyright © American Psychological Association, 2019. This paper is not the copy of record and may not exactly replicate the authoritative document published in the APA journal. Please do not copy or cite without authors' permission. The final article will be available, upon publication, via its DOI: 10.1037/emo0000678
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450846402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
- Research Statement
- false
Metrics
514 File views/ downloads
143 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychology, Experimental
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites