Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Mindset Intervention for Depression and Immune Dysregulation, United States, 2022-2023

People who live through large-scale societal catastrophes such as the COVID-19 pandemic are at a heightened risk of mental illness in the years afterward, but can also experience positive changes in their sense of meaning, personal relationships, and self-esteem, among other domains. The researchers propose that differences in these mental health trajectories may be partially influenced by individuals' mindsets about the long-term effects of living through catastrophes. To test this possibility, the researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial of a brief, psychologically-wise intervention designed to promote the mindset that "catastrophes can be opportunities in the long-term." A sample of 548 adults were randomized to either the mindset intervention condition or a control task.