Lauren Dempsey, MSc in Biomedical Sciences and Law, RN, FISM News
Kindness can be a cure for anxiety and depression, according to new research from Ohio State University (OSU).
David Clegg led the research as part of his Ph.D. He is a professor of psychology at Ohio State University and has authored a psychology paper with Jennifer Cheavens.
This study was published in December journal of positive psychology It also explains how social connections affect anxiety and depression. The study involved 122 of his people in Ohio with moderate to severe depression, anxiety and stress.
methodology
Participants were divided into three groups after an introductory session. One group was assigned to plan social activities two days a week. Her second group of participants was instructed to use a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique called cognitive reassessment. It encourages patients to identify negative thought patterns and restructure their thoughts to encourage positive thinking and reduce depression and anxiety.
In a third group, participants were assigned to perform acts of kindness three times a day, two days a week. These acts are defined as “any large or small act that benefits or makes another person happy, usually at some cost in terms of time or resources.”
Each group was encouraged to record their thoughts during the study, and examples of kindnesses recorded by participants included baking cookies for a friend, offering a car, and leaving notes of encouragement Did.
Participants followed their assigned instructions for 5 weeks and were then reassessed. To determine if the intervention continued to be effective, researchers checked on the participants after an additional five weeks.
kindness is the best medicine
All three interventions produced positive outcomes, but acts of kindness led to improvements not seen in the other two groups, suggesting that acts of kindness and connection with others directly affect mental health. It suggests that
“These results are encouraging because they suggest that all three study interventions are effective in reducing distress and improving satisfaction.” It still showed advantages over both social activity and cognitive reappraisal by making people feel more connected to other people, which is an important part of it.”
Social connections are one of the elements of life most strongly associated with happiness. Doing acts of kindness seems to be one of the best ways to foster those connections.
Confirmed by other studies
Other research supports the idea that acts of kindness are beneficial for mental health.A study from the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley found that kindness activates the brain’s pleasure centers and improves mood. It releases chemicals that have a positive impact and reduce levels of anxiety, stress and depression.
However, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States, a disorder that can limit or alter a person’s ability to perform major life activities. Brings In 2020, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States will have had at least one major depressive episode in their lives, with prevalence highest among women and their ages 18-25.
Treatment for depression and anxiety usually involves a combination of treatments and medications. Psychotherapy can help you acquire skills, modify problem behaviors, deal with stress, and overcome fears.
The study’s authors hope the study will have benefits beyond traditional treatments. It has had a real effect in reducing symptoms,” she explains, adding, “Doing good things for people and focusing on the needs of others can help people with depression and anxiety feel better about themselves. It can actually help you feel better.” “
Editor’s Bible Analysis
The Bible lesson here is clear to anyone familiar with the teachings of Christ. When asked what the most important commandment was,
Jesus said to him,you, main With all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, to your God. this is of The first great commandment. When of The second teeth How nice: “You must love your neighbor as yourself” On these two commandments hang all laws and prophets. “ – Matthew 22:37-40
As Christ Jesus pointed out, love is the basis of his words. The Bible is full of commandments of kindness and love (Luke 6:35; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12; Galatians 6:10; 1 John 3:18; Philippians 2:1-30). The Bible also teaches that kindness and love benefit not only those who receive them, but those who show them kindness and love (Proverbs 11:17, 14:21, 19:17, 1 Peter 3:9, Romans 11:22).
Know that in doing so you not only benefit those who receive your kindness, but you also please God and reap the rewards of your obedience to Him.
