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ObjectiveTo present the theory, design, and evaluation of a corporate training program intended to alter participants’ mindsets (beliefs and expectations) about stress. Design229 individuals were randomly assigned to either a wait list control (n=112) or an active treatment (117) in which they were given complete information on the nature of stress and subsequently trained to consciously choose an enhancing stress-mindset (i.e. believe that experiencing stress would enhance their health and boost their work-performance). Main Outcome MeasuresMood and Anxiety Questionnaire (MASQ; Watson et al., 1995), Work Performance Scale (WPS; Welbourne, Johnson Frisch, 1992). ResultsParticipants in the stress-mindset training reported significant improvements in their experience of physical symptoms, greater overall satisfaction with their health, and better performance at work with respect to generating new ideas, sustaining focus, being engaged, and collaborating well at work. Mediation analyses demonstrate that these improvements occurred primarily through changes in mindset initiated by the training intervention. ConclusionsParticipating in a training program designed to influence participants to adopt a more enhancing mindset about stress produced positive changes in health and performance.
Alia J. Crum (Sat,) studied this question.