University of Twente Student Theses
Can reading about stress benefits improve stress mindsets and mental well-being? And does internal locus of control have a mediating function here?
Berden, Natascha (2019) Can reading about stress benefits improve stress mindsets and mental well-being? And does internal locus of control have a mediating function here?
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| Abstract: | Previous research demonstrates that it is possible to change negative into positive beliefs about stress and that it improves mental well-being. The aim of the present study was to test if by administering a small-scale induction in form of an informative text about the benefits of stress itself and a positive stress mindset; (1) previous stress mindset change and (2) the effect of improved mental well-being can be replicated; (3) it additionally has a positive effect on internal locus of control, and if; (4) internal locus of control has a mediating function in the effect of the stress mindset induction on mental well-being. The study followed a randomized controlled experimental design with N=90 participants from the general German population. Over a course of two weeks, the experimental (n=45) and control group (n=45) members received the assessment and respective induction material via e-mail; baseline assessment, induction and post-induction assessment, follow-up assessment. Results show that the stress mindset scores of the experimental group improved significantly immediately after the induction but were at the same level with the control group again at follow-up assessment. There was no change in mental well-being, or internal locus of control and, thus, no mediating function of internal locus of control. The study shows that an informative text about mental and physical benefits of stress can temporarily, but not sustainably improve a person’s stress mindset and does not affect mental well-being or internal locus of control. Based on these results, important implications for future research are discussed. |
| 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/78901 |
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