Can an electronic device improve mood and well-being, and decrease anxiety?
This study used a double-blind crossover design to investigate the effect of a small electronic device, the Quantum Companion, on mood, quality of life and anxiety levels. Thirty-four subjects were stratified on age, sex, and current stress levels and randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a Quantum Companion, and then after a two week "recovery period," the other instrument. Standardized tests were administered before and after each two-week experimental period, along with an open ended questionnaire of other life-events during the past two weeks. The two weeks with the placebo were marked by (1) more immediate positive and fewer immediate negative effects, (2) greater reductions in anxiety, and (3) nonsignificant improvement in mood and quality of life, compared to the two-week Quantum Companion periods. This study brings out the power of a placebo for changing mood, and the importance of using rigorous designs to test claims.
Psychology Department, Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, IA 52557, USA.
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Travis
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Durchholz
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012064:Relaxation Therapy