Stress Management Program for Stress

Overseen By Bita Nouriani, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, MRI contraindications, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 4 weeks

80 Participants Needed

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. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why 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. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

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

I don't have any metal implants that would prevent me from having an MRI.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants undergo initial MRI assessments and baseline measurements

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in daily practice of assigned intervention (hypnosis, box breathing, cyclic sighing, or audiobook listening) for 28 days

4 weeks

Remote daily sessions

Follow-up Assessment

Participants undergo follow-up MRI assessments and measurements to evaluate the effects of the interventions

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

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?

Group I: Hypnosis Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

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

Group II: Cyclic Sighing Breathing Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

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.

Group III: Box Breathing Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

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.

Group IV: Audiobook on Stress Active Control 1 Intervention

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.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10741869/

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.

2. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-022-27247-y

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.aspx

Effectiveness 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 ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9873947/

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.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229923000249

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 [− ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S240545262200101X

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 ...

7. news-medical.net news-medical.net/health/The-Science-Behind-Breathwork-and-Stress-Reduction.aspx

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 ...

8. healthline.com healthline.com/health/copd/box-breathing/

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 ...