Reply to "Mind- Set Affects Health"

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Originally posted by dear Sue 1:
This is very interesting. It goes to show that the mind controls a lot more of our bodily functions than we are aware of.

Love,
Sue

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Four weeks later, the researchers returned to assess any changes in the women's health. They found that the women in the informed group had lost an average of 2 pounds, lowered their blood pressure by almost 10 percent, and were significantly healthier as measured by body-fat percentage, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio. These changes were significantly higher than those reported in the control group and were especially remarkable given the time period of only four weeks.

Langer writes, "Whether the change in physiological health was brought about directly or indirectly, it is clear that health is significantly affected by mind-set." This research shows the moderating role of mind-set and its ability to enhance health, which may have particular relevance for treating diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Association for Psychological Science.