Effects of an incremental theory of the personality intervention on psychophysiological responses to social stress during the transition to college

Abstract This randomized controlled trial (NCT04786496) examined the effects of a preventive intervention based on Incremental Theory Personality (ITP) psychophysiological responses to social stress and evaluated whether levels depression moderate effects. The participants, 107 first-year university students, were randomly assigned one three conditions: ITP intervention, + self-affirmation (SA), control condition (CC). Indicators Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, subjective mood assessed with Trier Social Stress Task. Participants in displayed lower decline respiratory sinus arrythmia (RSA) compared those CC during first phases task [Slopes: -0.08 (0.09) vs -0.21 , z = 2.86, p .004] higher decrease cortisol at recovery [β -0.18 (0.08) -2.37, .018]. Depressive symptoms moderated effect -0.10 (0.05) -2.15, =.032] ITP+SA -0.09 (0.04) -2.06, =.039] RSA. In participants low/medium depressive symptoms, both interventions predicted -0.06 for ITP, -0.17 (.09) ITP+SA, -0.26 CC] RSA 0.18 (0.01) 0.24 0.30 CC]. findings suggest that has potential be an effective reduce response.