Evaluating the Efficacy of the Neuro-Entity Dynamics System (NEDS) in Stress Reduction and Emotional Self- Regulation: A Pilot Study

This pilot study evaluates the preliminary effectiveness of the Neuro-Entity Dynamics System (NEDS) for reducing perceived stress and anxiety and improving emotional self-regulation. Eighteen adults (12 in the NEDS group; 6 controls) participated in a four-week intervention. The NEDS protocol comprises four phased sessions-Identify, Shift, Release, Transform-delivered by certified practitioners. Controls received guided relaxation of equal duration. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and a brief Emotional Awareness and Regulation Inventory (EARI). Quantitative analyses (pre-post descriptive comparisons) indicated a 31% reduction in perceived stress and a 25% reduction in anxiety within the NEDS group, alongside a 28% increase in emotional awareness and regulation; the control group showed only minimal changes. Qualitative interviews converged with these results, highlighting increased emotional clarity, somatic relief, and improved ability to redirect attention during stress. Within an integrative theoretical lens, NEDS conceptualizes “neuro-entities” as dynamic, embodied configurations of cognition, affect, and somatic states-consistent with embodied cognition and neurodynamic systems perspectives-rather than metaphysical constructs. While limitations include the small sample, non-random assignment, reliance on self-report, and lack of follow-up, findings support the feasibility and promise of NEDS as an integrative approach to stress management and self-regulation. Recommendations are provided for future randomized, adequately powered studies incorporating physiological indicators and longitudinal designs.