Equanimity

The trial measures equanimity with the EQUA-S questionnaire at months 1, 3, and 6. Equanimity is defined as the ability to respond to stressors with a non-reactive, balanced, open state of mind. The trial uses equanimity as a lagged mediator linking earlier changes to later outcomes. Equanimity is treated as both an outcome of practice and a proximal cause of later reductions in perceived stress and improved well-being. The article presents maladaptive avoidance of unpleasant experiences as a major contributor to the emotional toll of stress.