In a groundbreaking study, researchers have found that non-deceptive placebos—treatments where participants know they’re receiving a placebo—can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This discovery offers a promising, low-effort tool for managing mental health, particularly during prolonged stressful situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study involved a medium-risk population and tested the effects of non-deceptive placebos administered remotely online. Over two weeks, participants in the placebo group experienced significant reductions in COVID-related stress, overall stress, anxiety, and depression. The effect sizes were substantial, comparable to those achieved through more intensive, self-guided online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs, which typically require three months to show similar benefits.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the research is that these benefits were achieved without deceiving participants. Traditionally, placebos work because people believe they’re receiving a real treatment. But in this study, participants were fully aware they were receiving a placebo, yet still reported significant improvements in their mental health.
So, how does this work? The researchers suggest that non-deceptive placebos might tap into complex psychological mechanisms such as implicit expectations, conditioning from previous treatments, or even the power of the mind-body connection, known as embodied cognition. Essentially, even when people know they’re not receiving an active treatment, the act of taking a placebo might trigger beneficial psychological and physiological responses.
Interestingly, the study found that while participants expected some benefit from the placebo, these expectations didn’t fully explain the positive outcomes. This suggests that the effectiveness of non-deceptive placebos might not be solely due to what people think will happen but could also be influenced by deeper, unconscious processes.
The non-deceptive placebo was also easy to use, with a high adherence rate of 92.5%. This is particularly important in stressful times when people may struggle with self-regulation and sticking to more demanding interventions. The simplicity and appeal of non-deceptive placebos make them a practical option for those looking for low-effort ways to manage stress and anxiety.
For those interested in trying a non-deceptive placebo, this study offers some encouragement. Since these placebos are easy to use, don’t involve deception, and have shown significant benefits, they could be a useful tool for managing stress and mood in everyday life. Whether dealing with ongoing challenges like a pandemic or simply looking for ways to boost mental well-being, non-deceptive placebos could offer a surprisingly effective and accessible option.
While this research is promising, it’s important to note that more studies are needed to fully understand how and why non-deceptive placebos work. Future research could explore the role of expectations in greater detail and examine the long-term effects of using these placebos in different contexts.
In the meantime, this study suggests that when it comes to managing stress and anxiety, sometimes just believing in the possibility of relief—no matter how it comes—might be enough to start feeling better.
Citation(s):
Guevarra, D. A., Webster, C. T., Moros, J. N., Kross, E., & Moser, J. S. (2024). Remotely administered non-deceptive placebos reduce COVID-related stress, anxiety, and depression. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12583
