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The effect of influencing the stress mindset of individuals on the experience of eustress, distress and depressive symptoms

Lorenz, L.L. (2019) The effect of influencing the stress mindset of individuals on the experience of eustress, distress and depressive symptoms.

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Abstract:The present study aimed to examine the relation between stress mindset, eustress, distress and depressive symptoms. It was predicted that individuals with a positively increased mindset towards stress experience less depressive symptoms, which is mediated by eustress and distress. To test this, a between-subjects pretest posttest design with three conditions, namely “stress- is- enhancing”, “stress- is- debilitating” and “control” was developed. Stress mindset was manipulated via short videos. Level of stress mindset, eustress, distress and depressive symptoms was tested using a compilation of three questionnaires. Mediation analysis was done using the bootstrapping method of Hayes and Preacher. N = 76 participants took part in the study. Results show that manipulation via videos was successful. However, results of the mediation analysis were mainly non- significant. Therefore, the study could not substantiate an association between stress mindset, eustress, distress and depressive symptoms. However, the video manipulation might not have been powerful enough to influence stress mindset on a profound level. This explains why no significant effects of increasing the stress mindset were found. Future research is necessary to find better ways of increasing stress mindsets in the long run and consequently design better interventions to decrease depressive symptoms in individuals.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/78310
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