Does a stress mindset video improve mental well-being via an increase in internal locus of control? A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Holding a stress-is-enhancing mindset can have a positive effect on mental well-being. The current study examined whether watching a brief video about the positive effects of stress leads to increases in stress mindset, mental well-being and internal locus of control and whether internal locus of control mediates the effect of a stress mindset video on mental well-being. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 136 participants watched either a brief video about the positive effects of stress or a scam control video. Participants completed online self-report questionnaires at baseline, post-test and one-week follow-up. Results: Watching a video about positive effects of stress improved participant’s stress mindset more compared to a control video. However, the stress-is-enhancing video had no significant effect on mental well-being compared to the control video and there was no evidence for a mediation by internal locus of control. Discussion: The increase of stress mindset in the experimental group was in line with earlier research. Contrary to previous research, not only emotional well-being but also psychological and social well-being were measured. This might explain that contrary to earlier research, the stress-is-enhancing video did not improve mental well-being.