A recent study has shown that nondeceptive placebos—placebos given with participants’ full awareness—can effectively alleviate stress, even when administered from a distance.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Michigan State University revealed that nondeceptive placebos, which are provided with the full knowledge of the participants, can successfully reduce stress levels, even when given remotely.
In this two-week randomized controlled trial, researchers invited participants who were experiencing ongoing stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were divided into two groups: one receiving nondeceptive placebos, while the other served as a control group and received no pills. All interactions were conducted online through four virtual sessions on Zoom. Those in the nondeceptive placebo group were informed about the placebo effect and received placebo pills through the mail, along with instructions on how to take them.
The findings, published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, indicated that participants in the nondeceptive group experienced a notable reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression within just two weeks, compared to those who did not receive treatment. Furthermore, participants reported that the nondeceptive placebos were convenient, manageable, and suitable for their circumstances.
Jason Moser, a co-author of the study and professor at MSU’s Department of Psychology, commented, “Sustained exposure to stress can hinder a person’s emotional regulation and lead to long-term mental health issues, so we’re pleased to discover that a low-effort intervention can yield meaningful results.” He added, “The minimal effort required makes nondeceptive placebos a promising option for individuals dealing with significant stress, anxiety, and depression.”
The researchers are particularly optimistic about the potential for health care providers to administer these nondeceptive placebos remotely.
“The capability to provide nondeceptive placebos from a distance greatly enhances their potential for wider application,” explained Darwin Guevarra, co-author of the study and postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, San Francisco. “Remotely delivered nondeceptive placebos could assist individuals facing mental health challenges who might otherwise lack access to conventional mental health resources.”
