Stress Management Program for Stress
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different stress management techniques over four weeks. Participants will engage in one of four methods: cyclic sighing, box breathing, hypnosis, or listening to an audiobook about stress. Researchers will compare the effects of these methods on both psychological and physical stress responses. This trial suits individuals who experience stress and have no issues with MRI scans (a type of imaging incompatible with certain metals inside the body). Participants must visit the research site twice for MRI assessments. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore personal stress management techniques while contributing to valuable research.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that hypnosis is a safe and effective way to reduce stress. Studies have found that it can significantly lower stress levels and improve stress management. When used in medical settings, it is safe and positively impacts stress management.
Box breathing is another safe and well-tolerated technique. Research indicates that it can reduce stress and improve mood. This simple practice can be used daily to manage stress and anxiety.
Cyclic sighing is also a safe and promising method for stress management. Research highlights its ability to calm the nervous system and lower anxiety. This technique uses the natural sigh reflex to quickly reduce stress.
Overall, hypnosis, box breathing, and cyclic sighing are considered safe and have effectively helped manage stress.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these stress management techniques because they offer simple, accessible ways to potentially reduce stress without medication. Unlike traditional stress treatments that often involve pharmaceuticals, these methods—hypnosis, box breathing, cyclic sighing breathing, and listening to an audiobook—are easily accessible through audio or video links, making them convenient for anyone with a smartphone or computer. Box breathing and cyclic sighing are engaging active breathwork practices that can be done in just ten minutes a day, potentially offering quick relief. Hypnosis provides a unique mind-body approach that may enhance relaxation and stress reduction. These treatments are being explored for their potential to empower individuals to manage stress effectively with minimal side effects, offering a fresh alternative to current options.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for stress?
This trial will compare different stress management techniques. Research has shown that hypnosis, one of the treatments participants may receive, can help lower stress, with some studies noting a clear decrease in stress indicators. However, results can differ, and some uncertainty exists due to possible biases in the studies. Participants in other arms of this trial will practice box breathing, which research indicates significantly reduces stress over time, helping participants feel less stressed and in a better mood. Another arm will involve cyclic sighing, a specific breathing method found to effectively lower anxiety and improve mood by calming the body's stress response. Overall, breathing exercises like box breathing and cyclic sighing have shown promising results for managing stress.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
David Spiegel, MD
Principal Investigator
Stanford University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 who can undergo MRI scans without issues from things like metal implants. It's designed for those experiencing stress and anxiety, looking to find effective ways to manage their symptoms.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants undergo initial MRI assessments and baseline measurements
Treatment
Participants engage in daily practice of assigned intervention (hypnosis, box breathing, cyclic sighing, or audiobook listening) for 28 days
Follow-up Assessment
Participants undergo follow-up MRI assessments and measurements to evaluate the effects of the interventions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Audiobook
- Box Breathing
- Cyclic Sighing Breathing
- Hypnosis
Trial Overview
The study compares the effectiveness of two breathing techniques—cyclic sighing and box breathing—with hypnosis and listening to an audiobook on stress. Participants will practice these methods daily for four weeks, with their psychological and physical responses measured.
How Is the Trial Designed?
4
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Ten minutes a day of hypnosis practice for 28 days delivered remotely through an audio link. Participants will also practice 10 minutes of hypnosis during the 2 MRI assessments, one before the start of the 28 days, and one after the completion of the 28 days
Ten minutes a day of active breathwork practice for 28 days delivered remotely through a video link. Participants will also practice 10 minutes of active breathwork during the 2 MRI assessments, one before the start of the 28 days, and one after the completion of the 28 days.
Ten minutes a day of active breathwork practice for 28 days delivered remotely through a video link. Participants will also practice 10 minutes of active breathwork during the 2 MRI assessments, one before the start of the 28 days, and one after the completion of the 28 days.
Ten minutes a day of listening to sections of an audiobook about stress for 28 days (passive listening) delivered remotely through an audio link. Participants will also listen to the 10 minute segments during the 2 MRI assessments, one before the start of the 28 days, and one after the completion of the 28 days.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Effective breathing interventions support greater parasympathetic tone, which can counterbalance the high sympathetic activity intrinsic to stress and anxiety.
Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta- ...
Overall, results showed that breathwork may be effective for improving stress and mental health. However, we urge caution and advocate for nuanced research ...
3.
journals.lww.com
journals.lww.com/jpbs/fulltext/2025/04000/effectiveness_of_box_breathing_exercises_in.11.aspxEffectiveness of Box Breathing Exercises in Reducing ...
Results: The results revealed a significant reduction in stress levels in the experimental group over time. By posttest III, 22.86% of the experimental group ...
Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and ...
Breathwork produces greater improvement in mood and reduction in respiratory rate, while both result in reduction in negative emotion including state anxiety.
Slow breathing for reducing stress: The effect of extending ...
Regular slow breathing practice for 12 weeks significantly reduced psychological stress as measured by PROMIS Anxiety (−4.85 S.D. ± 5.53, confidence interval [− ...
Breathwork practice for stress management in the ...
Breathwork is a safe, practical, and easily accessible modality for use in any healthcare setting, daily practice, or during a sudden onset of acute ...
The Science Behind Breathwork and Stress Reduction
Scientific studies validate breathwork's role in reducing anxiety and stress, highlighting its effectiveness in promoting mental health and ...
Box Breathing: How to, Benefits, and Tips
Box breathing is a deep breathing technique that can help lower blood pressure and aid in pain or COPD management. It's also a powerful stress reliever and may ...
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