Changing Stress Mindsets with a Novel Imagery Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: 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 (1) evaluate the efficacy of a novel imagery-based intervention in changing stress mindset; and, (2) evaluate the effect of the intervention on stress-related outcomes, compared to a control, after two weeks. Methods: The study adopted a pre-registered randomized controlled trial design. University students (N = 150) attended a research laboratory twice over two 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.