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Effect of a Brief Guided Imagery on Stress
Abstract
This study examined whether a guided imagery exercise impacted perceived cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral stress and whether higher initial levels of cognitive and emotional symptoms of stress were associated with greater physiological benefits from the guided imagery exercise. Twenty-nine participants completed measures of perceived stress. Heart rate and coherence levels were measured before and at the end of a guided imagery exercise. Cognitive and emotional stress scores decreased. Lower initial levels of emotional, physical and behavioral symptoms of stress were associated with greater reductions in heart rate. Decreases in behavioral symptoms of stress were associated with improvements in coherence. In conclusion, guided imagery exercises reduce cognitive and emotional stress and may be most effective at reducing heart rate when levels of perceived stress are low.
... In the case of writing, results of a meta-analysis demonstrated that disclosing information, thoughts, and feelings about personal and meaningful topics through writing (also known as experimental emotional disclosure) has psychological and health benefits (Frattaroli, 2006). Similar to the positive effects of writing, a brief guided mental imagery exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on mental health (Bigham, McDannel, Luciano, & Salgado-Lopez, 2014). In an attempt to maximise the effectiveness of the BPS exercise as a single session manipulation, Peters et al. (2010) added a 5 min mental imagery component to the original writing exercise. ...
... Since both writing and imagery exercises in general have been shown to be effective (Bigham et al., 2014;Frattaroli, 2006) but the BPS manipulation with or without the imagery component yield similar outcomes (Carrillo et al., 2019), we hypothesised that all three BPS formats (writing and imagery BPS; writing BPS; imagery BPS) compared to the control TD condition 1) are effective in improving optimism (i.e. increasing positive future expectancies and decreasing negative future expectancies) and affect (i.e. ...
... increasing positive affect and decreasing negative affect), as every online Best Possible Self (BPS) manipulation format (i.e., writing and imagery BPS; writing BPS; imagery BPS) was found to be equivalently effective in improving optimism and affect. This finding is in line with previous studies, which have shown that either writing or imagery have beneficial effects on emotional and cognitive variables (Bigham et al., 2014;Conroy & Hagger, 2018;Frattaroli, 2006;King, 2001). In the current study, we showed that an imagery exercise as short as 5 min may already have positive effects on well-being, albeit possibly only immediate effects. ...
Background and objectives:
The Best Possible Self (BPS) has been found to be an effective manipulation to temporarily improve optimism and affect. The BPS has been used in different formats. In some versions, participants just write about their best possible future, while in others this is combined with imagery. An imagery only version has not been tested yet. The aim of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of three different versions of the BPS and their equivalence in improving optimism and affect.
Methods:
In an online study format, participants (N = 141) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (1) writing and imagery BPS; (2) writing BPS; (3) imagery BPS; and (4) a typical day (TD) control condition.
Results:
Results showed that each BPS condition significantly improved optimism (i.e. increased positive future expectancies and decreased negative future expectancies) and affect (i.e. increased positive affect and decreased negative affect). Equivalence testing showed that all online BPS conditions were equivalent in increasing optimism and affect, thereby confirming that both the writing and imagery elements of the BPS can independently from each other increase optimism and positive affect in a healthy population.
Limitations:
Only the immediate effects of the BPS formats on increasing optimism and affect were measured.
Conclusions:
The BPS manipulation can be employed in different ways for potential future exploration, depending on the research question, design and context and/or E-mental health applications for the treatment of individuals suffering from psychological complaints.
... To affect psychological and physiological processes, imagination is utilized to conjure up locations, things, or events that are not physically existent (Hall et al., 2006;Holmes & Mathews, 2010). Using guided imagery techniques has been shown to help people develop or change behaviors such as calming down, managing difficult and unpleasant emotions when exposed to specific difficult situations, increasing motivation, and finding ways to cope with stress and anxiety (Bedford, 2012;Bigham et al., 2014). M. A. Kumar et al. (2021) conducted an 8-week guided imagery intervention on Indian first-year college students. ...
... Though it may be employed on its own, guided imagery is frequently used to support hypnosis, meditation, or other practices like progressive muscle relaxation (Bigham et al., 2014). Research also supports the feasibility and effectiveness of multimodal mind-body therapies, such as guided imagery, that combine relaxation techniques with mindfulness (Carlson et al., 2017;Elkins et al., 2010;Mitchell et al., 2021). ...
Academic stress, coupled with the challenges of the modern educational system, has created a need for comprehensive interventions to address the mental health of college students and enhance their positive functioning . This study aimed to determine whether a 4-week mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and gratitude journaling intervention would be effective in improving college students’ mental health. 21 participants in the control group and 25 participants in the experimental group completed the study from an Indian University. Participants were assessed on gratitude, resilience, mindfulness, stress, anxiety, and depression, and well-being indicators consisting of peace of mind, harmony in life, and multidimensional flourishing, before and after the intervention. A mixed-design ANOVA was conducted to analyze the effects of time (pre-post), group, and the interaction between time and group on all study variables. Post-hoc analyses for group differences were conducted using the Bonferroni post-hoc test. Participants in the experimental group experienced significant improvements in peace of mind (p = .02), flourishing (p = .03), and emotional well-being (p = .03), along with reductions in anxiety (p = .04) and depression (p = .04) levels, while the control group experienced no significant changes. The findings from the study offer valuable insights into the implications and complexities of combined mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and gratitude journaling interventions, underscoring the need for further investigation into tailored, holistic, and sustainable approaches to support the mental well-being of college students.
... Several studies conducted over the past decade have reported that GI reduces depression, anxiety, stress, pain, and the chemotherapyinduced side effects, strengthens the immune system, and lowers high blood pressure [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. A limited number of studies exist that examine the effect of GI on nursing practices [12,[17][18][19][20]. Studies on the use of GI in nursing care largely have investigated mostly the issues such as pain, stress, and fatigue management [12,[17][18][19][20]. ...
... It also contains four subscales including "perspective taking", "empathic concern", "fantasy", and "personal distress". Items 3,4,7,12,13,14,15,18, and 19 are reversed items. The "perspective taking" subscale corresponds to cognitive empathy, in which individuals are able to put themselves in another person's shoes and accept perspective of others. ...
Objective: Enabling oncology nurses to become aware of their own mortality is important to provide a dignity and quality end of life care. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of guided imagery on death anxiety, empathy and attitude towards terminally ill patients in oncology nurses. Guided imagery may be an effective tool to help nurses at the end of life care. Methods: This quasi-experimental research included 43 oncology nurses who were chosen using total population sampling method. The data was collected by using the nurse information form, the "Thorson-Powell Death Anxiety Scale", the "Approach to Death and Dying Patients Attitude Scale", the "Interpersonal Reactivity Index" Results: The nurses in the intervention and control groups were similar in terms of characteristics (P> .05). In intragroup comparison of the experimental group, it was determined that while both death anxiety and empathy levels increased, scores of avoiding terminally ill patients of nurses also decreased (P< .05). On the other hand, in the intergroup comparison, it did not affect death anxiety and attitude towards the terminally ill patients (P> .05); however, it was found that it increased empathy levels of nurses (P< .05). Conclusion: Guided Imagery may be an effective technique in oncology nurses to improve positive attitude towards the terminally ill patients and increase empathy level. Using guided imagery can facilitate clinical nursing practice by changing nurses' perspective towards the nearing people end of life. However, further experimental research are needed to validate this study.
... Estos pacientes -por ejemplo, aquellos con dolor articular-requieren otros procedimientos psicológicos para alcanzar los beneficios terapéuticos de la disminución del tono simpático que está presente durante el dolor y el estrés. Una opción es la imaginería guiada (Baird y Sands, 2006;Bigham, McDannel, Luciano y Salgado-Lopez, 2014;Billquist et al., 2017;Charalambous, Giannakopoulou, Bozas y Paikousis, 2015;Louie, 2004) o el entrenamiento autógeno, cuya validez y efectividad para reducir la actividad simpática se ha documentado en población clínica (Kiba et al., 2015;Kiba et al., 2017) y no clínica (Lim y Kim, 2014). Tales procedimientos modifican la actividad autonómica y endocrinológica asociada al estrés; sin embargo, ninguno de ellos ha evaluado la temperatura de la nariz como indicador de cambio clínico; es decir, el aumento de la actividad parasimpática (Panasiti et al., 2016). ...
... Los estudios clínicos del uso de la imaginería guiada han mostrado que es efectiva en la disminución de respuestas cardiovasculares, así como de la tensión muscular (Bigham et al., 2014;Louie, 2004). No obstante, no se había evaluado su efecto sobre la temperatura facial (concretamente de la nariz), la cual es sensible a los cambios afectivos fásicos (Ioannou et al., 2014). ...
Durante situaciones desagradables, un reflejo simpático de vasoconstricción en la piel ocasiona una reducción en la temperatura periférica, mientras que estados afectivos agradables promueven su aumento. Una de las estrategias clínicas que promueven un estado afectivo agradable es la imaginería guiada. Sin embargo, sus efectos sobre la temperatura nasal (un área sensible a los cambios emocionales) no han sido estudiados. La presente investigación tuvo como propósito evaluar el efecto de la valencia de un pensamiento agradable (imaginería guiada) y la de un pensamiento desagradable (estrés psicosocial) sobre la temperatura nasal, mediante el Trier Social Stress Test, en una versión cognitiva adaptada para este trabajo (TSST-C). Participaron 33 estudiantes universitarios libres de enfermedad inflamatoria, los cuales se dividieron en dos grupos: uno de imaginería guiada y otro de estrés psicosocial. Se utilizó un termómetro de luz infrarroja para evaluar la temperatura nasal sin contacto con el sujeto. Se compararon las mediciones pre y post durante una sesión de cuatro minutos en cada uno de los grupos. Los resultados indican diferencias estadísticamente significativas antes y después de la inducción del pensamiento (positivo y negativo). Sin embargo, la imaginería guiada logró incrementar significativamente la temperatura nasal de los participantes en ese grupo; mientras que el TSST-C decrementó la temperatura en la gran mayoría de los participan-tes del otro grupo. Se discuten las implicaciones clínicas de regular la actividad simpática durante situaciones desagradables agudas y crónicas, así como la necesidad de evaluación y de la posible intervención biopsicosocial en aquellos participantes que no lograron incrementar su temperatura nasal; asimismo, se sugiere el uso de dispositivos tecnológicos portátiles sensibles a los procesos psicofisiológicos.
... Separate lines of scientific inquiry have shown that guided imagery can be an effective intervention strategy to help individuals increase physical activity (Chan & Cameron, 2012;Duncan et al., 2012), modify food consumption and cravings (E. Kemps & Tiggemann, 2014;Missbach et al., 2014;Morewedge et al., 2010), and cope with stress (Bhutani, 2015;Bigham et al., 2014), the three behaviors targeted in the present investigation. With regard to physical activity, researchers in one study instructed participants to listen to a 5-minute guided imagery CD each day for two weeks (Andersson & Moss, 2011). ...
... (Bishop et al., 2007;Furnham et al., 1995;Nichol et al., 2011) Given these findings, it would seem important to learn more about potential barriers to guided imagery use and identify individuals who are more likely to embrace this technique prior to engaging in future similar interventions. Simultaneously targeting exercise behavior, food cravings, and psychological stress with guided imagery is novel given that most previous studies using guided imagery only focused on single outcomes (Bhutani, 2015;Bigham et al., 2014;Chan & Cameron, 2012;Duncan et al., 2012;Kemps & Tiggemann, 2014;Morewedge et al., 2010). Although the present study was focused on PA behavior and two closely linked constructs that may be related to health behavior regulation, food cravings and stress, it is our hope that the findings presented here may inform the literature on multi-health behavior change interventions (Emmons et al., 2005;Geller et al., 2016;Hawkes et al., 2012Hawkes et al., , 2013Spring et al., 2012;van Berkel et al., 2014). ...
The purpose of this randomized wait-list controlled trial was to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a guided imagery based multi-behavior intervention intended to address psychological stress, food cravings, and physical activity. Personalized guided imagery scripts were created and participants were instructed to practice guided imagery every day for 35 consecutive days. Of 48 women who enrolled, we report comparisons between 16 randomized to treatment with 19 who were wait-listed (overall Mage = 45.50; Mbodymassindex = 31.43). Study completers reported 89% compliance with practicing guided imagery during the intervention. A significant time-by-group interaction was observed with reductions in food cravings and increases in physical activity compared with wait-list controls. Telephone-based multi-behavior interventions that utilize guided imagery to address food cravings and exercise behavior appear to be acceptable for overweight and obese women. Future phone-based guided imagery research testing this skill to address multiple health behaviors is justified.
... This technique is easy, convenient, and not restricted by the activity levels of patients. Relaxation with guided imagery techniques has been applied to cancer patients for several years and has been proved to be useful in relieving the adverse side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and depression (7,8,(10)(11)(12). Most related studies have examined the effect of relaxation and guided imagery after 3 to 12 weeks. ...
... Several studies have focused on the efficacy of relaxation with guided imagery techniques in controlling physical and psychological distress symptoms (7,(11)(12)(13). Serra et al. (14) evaluated the effect of guided imagery on patients undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. ...
Background:
Breast cancer patients frequently experience psychological distress during the chemotherapy period.
Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of relaxation with guided imagery on patients with breast cancer.
Patients and methods:
A two-group, pretest-posttest, quasi-experimental design with a randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty-five breast cancer patients from one medical center in Taiwan were enrolled in the study. These patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 32) or to the control group (n = 33). Both groups received chemotherapy self-care education, but the experimental group also received relaxation with guided imagery training. The training on relaxation with guided imagery was conducted before chemotherapy, and the patients were supplied with a compact disc detailing the performance of relaxation with guided imagery for 20 minutes daily at home for 7 days after chemotherapy.
Results:
The experimental group showed significant decreases in insomnia (-0.34 ± 0.83, P < 0.05), pain (-0.28 ± 0.58, P < 0.05), anxiety (-3.56 ± 2.94, P < 0.00), and depression (-2.38 ± 2.70, P < 0.00) between the pretest and the posttest. Comparing the two groups, statistically significant differences were found in the overall symptom distress (B = 0.11, P < 0.05), insomnia (B = 0.50, P <0.05), depression (B = 0.38, P < 0.05), and numbness in physical symptoms (B = 0.38, P < 0.05), as well as in anxiety (B = 3.08, P < 0.00) and depression (B = 1.86, P < 0.00) in psychological distress. One week of relaxation with guided imagery can significantly improve the overall symptoms of distress, insomnia, depression, physical symptoms, and anxiety, and can decrease psychological distress.
Conclusions:
Relaxation with guided imagery had a positive effect on mediating anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients.
... These instructions facilitate the creation of mental imagery, which refers to representations of perception in the mind in the absence of a physical stimulus [40,41], and may involve individuals being guided to dynamically move through an environment referred to as a mental walk. Guided imagery has been found to reduce stress [42,43], reduce blood pressure [44], reduce anxiety [45] and promote relaxation [46], demonstrating its beneficial effects on one's mental state. Most previous research on guided imagery has focused on a mindfulness-based approach, instructing participants to focus on and control their breathing and other bodily functions. ...
Immersion in nature has been linked to wide-ranging benefits on mental health and cognitive functions, from reducing stress to enhancing creativity. However, a walk in nature is not always feasible, and whether a proxy for nature immersion via a mental walk in nature can elicit the same benefits as a physical walk remains largely unknown. Accordingly, the current study utilized guided imagery to examine whether a mental walk in nature would improve creativity in general and when compared to a mental walk in an urban environment. We implemented a within-subjects design, wherein participants completed both mental walk conditions (in a nature and urban environment) at least five days apart in counterbalanced order on an online platform. During each session, participants (N = 97) completed two pre-walk tasks assessing convergent (measured by the Remote Associates Test) and divergent creative thinking (measured by the Alternate Uses Test), followed by a mental walk in either a nature or urban environment, then finally the identical two post-walk creativity tasks. After five days, they repeated the same procedure with a mental walk in the other environment. While comparisons of post-walk creativity scores between the nature and urban environment did not significantly differ from each other, the comparisons between the pre- and post-walk creativity scores revealed a significant improvement in convergent creative thinking in the nature environment condition, but not the urban environment condition. Our results suggest that taking a mental walk in nature can enhance at least one aspect of creativity, therefore providing preliminary evidence for the potential to access the creative benefits of mentally immersing ourselves in nature. These findings have important implications for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of nature but are unable to readily access nature physically.
... Visualization meditations are often used to help people deal with difficult experiences, or heal their childhood wounds [85]. Other visualization techniques aim at preparing for difficult situations, like athletes before a competition (see, e.g., [86]) or surgeons before an operation [87], to lower stress when the performance is expected. ...
Public servants are experiencing enduring occupational stress. Stress hinders the ability of professionals to process information, potentially leading to bad decisions. Moreover, chronic stress has the potential to develop into a full-blown burnout. (Neuro)scientific findings strongly suggest that meditation can help to cope with stress. This chapter maps out the current scientific insights about how meditation can decrease stress. It argues that an effective meditation practice can help professionals to prepare for and cope with stress on a long-term basis. The chapter concludes with several practical and easy-to-perform meditative exercises that are suited for anyone who wants to learn to help themselves prepare for and deal better with stress.
... However, since then new avenues and possibilities for training opportunities have been subjected to scholarly research (Rao & Kemper, 2017), and has contributed to its scientific rigor. Current literature indicates that mindfulness-based guided imagery practices are effective and feasible cost-effective approaches (Bigham et al., 2014;Carroll, 2022). ...
Objectives
this scoping review aimed to explore the diversity of existing nature-based mindfulness (NBM) interventions. The specific objectives of this review were to (1) describe the practices and methods that are used in NBM interventions, and to (2) determine the environmental conditions that are typically associated with NBM interventions.
Method
Thirty peer-reviewed scientific studies were identified via a systematic PRISMA search protocol and then thematically analysed and categorically organised.
Results
In relation to the first research objective, a typological scheme for classifying NBM interventions was proposed in which four main categorizations of NBM interventions were identified, including (1) conventional practices combined with nature, (2) activity-based practices using nature, (3) NBM therapy practices, and (4) emerging practices. These themes demonstrate the diversity of existing NBM interventions and provide a more integrated understanding of the applicability of these interventions across different clinical and non-clinical contexts. In relation to the second research objective, existing NBM interventions were found to be conducted in (1) naturally occurring, (2) curated natural, and (3) simulated natural environments. Within these categories, a diverse range of restorative environments were identified as suitable contexts for NBM interventions, with forest-based interventions being the most commonly used environment.
Conclusions
Overall, this study contributes to a more integrated understanding of the practices, methods, and environmental conditions typical of existing NBM interventions, proposes a classification scheme for NBM interventions, and identifies a number of new developments within the field as well as promising avenues for future research and practice.
Preregistration
This study has not been preregistered.
... Another study by Bigham tested the effect of guided imagery to reduce perceived stress. With twenty-nine participants, it has also been proven that stress levels decrease as a result of short, guided imagery (Elizabeth Bigham, Lauren McDannel, Isabel Luciano, 2014). ...
Introduction: Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Central Java rank seventh with 31,817 cases, or 2.1%. Nearly half of COPD patients experience stressful events that have a serious impact on their lives. Guided imagery therapy is a mind-body intervention that relieves stress and promotes a sense of peace and calm by activating the parasympathetic system. The provision of guided imagery therapy is thought to reduce stress levels in COPD patients.Objectives: Determine whether guided imagery therapy can reduce stress levels in COPD patients at the Pulmonary Outpatient Poly of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Hospital in Surakarta.Methods Materials: This study is an experimental analytical research conducted at the Pulmonary Outpatient Poly of UNS Hospital. It utilizes a randomized controlled trial with a pre- and post-test design. Stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaire. Guided imagery is given in the form of audio recordings, listened to at least once a week for one month. The study included 38 outpatients at the study site who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in February 2023, divided into 2 groups: intervention (19) and control (19).Results: Subjects given guided imagery intervention experienced a decrease in PSS scores more than the control group, statistically significant with PSS scores (∆) (p = 0.001), p 0.05.Conclusion: Guided imagery therapy can reduce stress levels in COPD patients at the Pulmonary Outpatient Poly of UNS Hospital
... Moreover, meta-analysis has shown that child maltreatment prevention programs that specifically target personal skills, including stress management skills, are the most effective ( Van der Put et al., 2018). For this component, parental stress was targeted using a guided imagery exercise on audio, following a script that has shown to be effective in reducing stress in previous studies (Bigham et al., 2014;Darthmouth Student Wellness Center n.d.;Naparstek, 1994). Motivating for and support with daily use of this exercise was hypothesized to reduce parental stress. ...
The effects of home visiting programs to reduce child maltreatment are generally limited and warrant improvement. The present study, therefore, examined whether the effectiveness of a home visitation program in the Netherlands can be improved by adding specific intervention components targeting important risk factors for child maltreatment, namely parental stress, parental anger, and PTSD symptoms. Using a single-case experimental design, nine mothers were assessed weekly during 36 weeks of the Dutch home visiting program VoorZorg, comparing baseline, treatment (i.e., phase with added intervention components), and follow-up. Outcome effects were examined using statistical analyses on a group level and combining statistical and visual analyses on a case level for primary outcomes: perceived stress, parental anger, and PTSD symptoms, and secondary outcomes: risk of child maltreatment and parental sense of competence. As a group, mothers showed a reduction of anger in response to the additional components. No group effects were found for other outcomes. At an individual level, three mothers showed only positive effects, four mothers showed no intervention effects, and two mothers showed mixed effects (i.e., positive on some outcomes and negative on other). Consequently, the component targeting parental anger seems promising, because it can easily be implemented, but it is important to prevent any possible detrimental effects. Effects of the component targeting stress depended on the use of relaxation exercises, and therefore this component should be expanded in such a way that it is more feasible for mothers to implement it.
... Choose a relaxing location, whether it's a tropical beach, a favorite childhood haunt, or a peaceful forested glen. This visualization exercise can be done on your own, with the guidance of a therapist, or with the help of an audio recording [58]. ...
This is an Open Access Journal / article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. All rights reserved. Stress is a major individual and public health issue that are linked to a variety of physical and mental health issues. Stress-related disorders are thought to account for 75 % to 90 % of primary care physician visits. Some of the health issues linked to stress include cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, anxiety, immune system suppression, headaches, back and neck pain, and sleep issues. Stress management is a commonly used phrase with a simple definition. Many studies testing its effectiveness exist in the literature, however it is unclear how many different types of Stress management exist or how helpful they are for which particular problem.
... Choose a relaxing location, whether it's a tropical beach, a favorite childhood haunt, or a peaceful forested glen. This visualization exercise can be done on your own, with the guidance of a therapist, or with the help of an audio recording [58]. ...
... Choose a relaxing location, whether it's a tropical beach, a favorite childhood haunt, or a peaceful forested glen. This visualization exercise can be done on your own, with the guidance of a therapist, or with the help of an audio recording [58]. ...
This is an Open Access Journal / article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. All rights reserved. Stress is a major individual and public health issue that are linked to a variety of physical and mental health issues. Stress-related disorders are thought to account for 75 % to 90 % of primary care physician visits. Some of the health issues linked to stress include cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, anxiety, immune system suppression, headaches, back and neck pain, and sleep issues. Stress management is a commonly used phrase with a simple definition. Many studies testing its effectiveness exist in the literature, however it is unclear how many different types of Stress management exist or how helpful they are for which particular problem.
... For instance, clinical psychology research has suggested that promoting stronger deliberate positive imagery may decrease feelings of anxiety/depression especially in those with anxiety and depressive disorders (Morina et al., 2011). Additionally, Bigham et al. (2014) found that a guided imagery exercise (essentially training individuals to utilize effective mental imagery processes) decreased perceived cognitive and emotional stress which led to more coherent cognition. As a result, we predict: ...
Extant literature has established the importance of individual dynamic managerial capabilities to the enterprise level sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring capacities of an organization. Despite theorization that heterogeneity in executive thought processes and thinking disposition stands causal for the oft observed differences in managerial capability between executives, little is known about the individual level antecedents of this cognitive heterogeneity which ultimately influences the direction of the entire firm. In response to calls for future investigation into this critical gap, the present paper draws upon a micro-level theory heretofore underutilized in the strategic realm – self-leadership – to examine how executives’ cognitive processes impact their entire firm. In pursuit of this goal, the cognitive-based thought self-leadership theory is utilized to more thoroughly explain the drivers of heterogeneity among the underlying cognitive capabilities of managers’ crucial dynamic managerial capabilities. In this way, the present study theorizes how specific individual executive cognitive processes (thought self-leadership strategies – e.g., self-talk, mental imagery) can influence the firm-level strategic decisions of innovation and expansion and thus impact overall organizational performance, through the bolstering of individual cognitive capacities and resulting managerial capabilities.
... Bigham et al in a previous study on 29 individuals found that guided imagery has a significant effect on cognitive and emotional stress. 17 Our study in accordance with the previous study proved that guided imagery is beneficial for stress management and in turn improves the quality of life of caregivers who are already burdened with the additional responsibilities of the new role. Also, in accordance to the previous studies conducted by Rao and Kemper, our study also turned out to be both feasible and effective. ...
Background and Objectives Chronic neurological conditions impose a burden on caregivers as they are a major contributor for disability-adjusted life years of patients. Stress is the common psychological concern of caregivers. This randomized controlled study examined the effect of tele-guided imagery on stress among caregivers of these neurological patients.
Methods Thirty caregivers were selected for participation in study as per the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. Initial caregivers' mental health screening was performed with the mini-mental state examination tool. For outcome measure, perceived stress scale (PSS) score tool was utilized and both pre- and postintervention scores were noted. Effect of tele-guided intervention was compared with the control group.
Results Significant difference was noted in the PSS scores among the caregivers receiving tele-guided imagery when compared with controlled group caregivers.
Conclusion Tele-guided imagery is an effective tool for stress management among caregivers. Also, it improves the individual's mental health aspect.
... Batı tıbbında, imgeleme uygulaması nispeten yenidir ve sağlık profesyonelleri arasında geniş çapta kabul görmemektedir. İmgeleme, bedeni hastalığa yol açan stresten kurtaran bir rahatlama durumuna neden olur (Kaufman, 2007;Bigham et al., 2014). Dolaşımı iyileştirir ve iyileştirici antikorların ve beyaz kan hücrelerinin hastalık bölgesine verilmesini artırır (Samuels, 2005). ...
... Importantly, these two mind-body practices have similar qualities and engage similar regulatory processes. For instance, research demonstrates that mindfulness informed (Morton et al., 2020) and guided imagery-based interventions (Bigham et al., 2014) have the potential to reduce stress and improve physiological functioning. Research also shows that multimodal mind-body interventions that integrate both mindfulness and relaxation practices such as guided imagery demonstrate feasibility and efficacy for improving health outcomes (Stagl et al., 2015;Kraemer et al., 2016;Vranceanu et al., 2016). ...
Physical activity offers substantial mind-body health benefits and reduced mortality, yet many individuals are chronically underactive. Physical activity interventions may benefit from integrative approaches that join components of mindfulness and neurobiological models of behavior. Mindfulness increases one’s awareness of cognitions and physical sensations to potentially facilitate self-regulation, while neurobiological models such as the dual system model of health behavior offer guidance on improving physical activity intervention targets. This 2-phase study includes an initial development process to create brief (∼4 min) mindfulness informed guided imagery audio files that target distinct cognitive and affective processes to promote physical activity. In the second phase, participants completed a 2-week pilot intervention study to gather qualitative and quantitative data on intervention feasibility and acceptability. Participants endorsed the mindfulness informed guided imagery as easy to use, enjoyable and helpful. Over a 2-week intervention period participants reported positive shifts in behavior change, physical activity enjoyment, increased mindfulness during physical activity, and increased physical exercise self-efficacy and satisfaction. Interview data revealed that participants increased their frequency of physical activity and tended to experience positive affect during physical activity, engaged in future oriented thinking and were able to view physical activity in a more positive light. Findings support the feasibility and acceptability of an integrative online mindfulness informed guided imagery intervention to promote physical activity enjoyment and engagement. This study extends health behavior change intervention research and provides supporting evidence for a flexible and tailorable online mindfulness-based intervention.
... We adapted the wording and some of the examples to suit mothers with low educational levels, using specific guidelines for Dutch texts [61], and the input of several nurses who work as home visitors for Supportive Parenting. Guided imagery relaxation exercises like these can positively affect both perceived stress and physiological stress in a range of populations (e.g., [23,62,63]). Listening to guided imagery exercises has also shown to decrease levels of anxiety and pain in hospital settings, for example prior to surgery [64]. ...
Background:
This study tests whether home visitation to prevent child maltreatment can be improved by adding manualized program components, targeting four key risk factors for child maltreatment: low parental self-efficacy, high levels of perceived stress, parental anger, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Home visitation is widely implemented, but effects on child maltreatment risk tend to be modest at best. Home visitation tends to be rather flexible (i.e., professionals decide how to support each family). We will test whether adding manualized program components increases program effectiveness, by ensuring that key risk factors are addressed, while maintaining flexibility. In addition, we will test whether any component effects on reduced child maltreatment risk can be explained (i.e., is mediated) by ameliorated risk factors. Lastly, we will test whether the components are more effective for some mothers (e.g., those at highest child maltreatment risk) than for others.
Methods:
We will conduct a randomized controlled trial among 398 mothers enrolled in a Dutch home visiting program targeting families at risk for child maltreatment. Mothers in the experimental group will receive the manualized components in two consecutive home visits, while mothers in the control group will receive regular home visits (care as usual). Mothers will fill out questionnaires at four time points: before and after each of the two home visits. Outcome variables include the four targeted risk factors parental self-efficacy, perceived stress, parental anger, and (recognition of) post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as parenting practices (e.g., rejection and affection), and risk for child maltreatment.
Discussion:
This study aims to determine whether adding manualized program components to a flexible home visiting program increases program effectiveness on risk for child maltreatment. In addition, our test of whether the effects of the components on risk for child maltreatment is explained (i.e., mediated) by amelioration of the targeted risk factors, may contribute to our understanding of the role of these risk factors in child maltreatment. Our tests of which mothers benefit most from adding the components may help move the field towards evidence-based personalized family support.
Trial registration:
This trial has been retrospectively registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (NL8005).
... [8] More recently, researchers have shown that guided mental imagery can help individuals increase physical activity, [9,10] modify food consumption and cravings, [11][12][13] and cope with stress. [14,15] Finally, neuroscientists have also extensively studied the cognitive processes associated with imagery for problem solving, speech, motor function, and memory. [16] Although the observations above provide insight into some of the issues studied by guided imagery researchers, it is likely that scientists from other disciplines are investigating the impact of this cognitive technique on a wide-range of health outcomes. ...
Introduction:
Guided imagery involves the controlled visualization of detailed mental images. This integrative health technique is used for healing, health maintenance, or the treatment of specific conditions. Guided imagery is an integral part of mindfulness meditation, hypnosis, and various relaxation exercises. However, evidence to support the widespread use and dissemination of guided imagery interventions has been lacking. The purposes of this scoping review were to document the scope of health outcomes and disease processes examined by guided imagery researchers and the journal outlets where this work has been published. Secondary purposes were to review the efficacy of guided imagery, risk of bias from studies published in selected integrative health journals, and gain feedback from clinicians in a practiced-based research network (PBRN) about potential barriers for use in clinical settings.
Methods:
Ten bibliographic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1960 and 2013 that included adult participants. Descriptive and analytic methods were employed to document the journal outlets, diseases, and health outcomes investigated.
Results:
320 RCTs that included more than 17,979 adult participants were reviewed. The published studies appeared in 216 peer-reviewed journals from diverse disciplines largely representing psychology, the sport sciences, rehabilitation, nursing, and medicine. Major outcomes observed were coping with pain, stroke recovery, anxiety, coping with stress, and sport skills. Practitioner feedback from the PBRN revealed some interest but skepticism and time constraints were discussed as barriers.
Conclusions:
Ongoing research and creative dissemination techniques are warranted.
... The vividness with which an individual experiences mental imagery is thought to further relate with variability in the depth and acuity with which people perceive and experience the external world (Cui et al., 2007;Rademaker & Pearson, 2012), and may also be correlated with variability in how persons experience their bodily and emotional selves. Indeed guided imagery has long been used in psychotherapy and self-development practices as a means of improving affect regulation (e.g., Bigham, McDannel, Luciano, & Salgado-Lopez, 2014;Chiesa & Serretti, 2011;Esplen, Garfinkel, Olmsted, Gallop, & Kennedy, 1998;von Wietersheim, Wilke, Röser, & Meder, 2003), fostering character strengths (e.g., critical thinking; Krejci, 1997, heightened self-esteem;Omizo, Omizo, & Kitaoka, 1998), and increasing athletic performance (e.g., Murphy, 1994). ...
Background:Trait mindfulness is a multifaceted construct, although its association with measures of personality and individual differences remains poorly understood. Given that guided mindfulness meditations (MM) frequently involve focused imagery and are typically experienced as pleasant, we predicted that visual and embodied imagery vividness would mediate the association between mindful observing traits and pleasant experiences in response to guided MM.
Study objectives and methods:137 undergraduate students and 371 participants from Amazon's MTurk web service completed questionnaire measures of mindfulness traits and multisensory imagery vividness. They then completed an 8-10 min MM involving guided imagery of visualizing and embodying the positive characteristics of natural objects (a mountain, sun, or tree). Participants rated the level of imagery vividness they experienced in the visual and embodied modalities as well as their emotional responses to the MM.
Results:Mindful “observing” correlated with increased imagery vividness, both in response to standardized questionnaire and a guided MM. As predicted, vividness of visual and particularly embodied imagery mediated the association between trait mindful observing and experienced pleasantness in response to the MM.
Conclusions:Individual differences in vividness of visual and embodied imagery are a construct of relevance to understanding mindfulness both as a state and trait.
... Likewise, a study by Menzies et al. (2014) showed that Guided Imagery increased self-efficacy, decreased stress, fatigue, pain and depression in women with fibromyalgia. Research conducted by Bigham et al. (2014) stated that Guided Imagery was used as a therapeutic process as by modifying behavior to produce relaxation also decreased anxiety and depression and control negative thinking. ...
The study was a Quasi experimental two group pre-and post-experimental design. It involved 32 samples at both experimental and control groups. This research was conducted to examine the effect of Guided Imagery on depression among male inmates. Subjects in the experimental group were asked to practice Guided Imagery in group for 10 sessions three times a week over 4 weeks of treatment period. Subjects from the control group participated in daily activities. Due to ethical consideration, following the completion of this study, however, the subjects in the control group were given Guided Imagery exercises as to reduce their depression signs and symptoms. The data were collected from the prisoners at Correctional Institution Sukamiskin Bandung Indonesia, from August to September 2014. Guided Imagery demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in depression (p=0.041) on the experimental group compared with the control group. Guided Imagery is a powerful, simple and economic intervention to reduce depression symptoms. The study found that the experimental group experience less depression than the control group. This study can be applied to other correctional institutions to reduce depression among prison inmates. Further studies are recommended to explore the effectiveness of guided imagery on depression among male inmates.
... The vividness with which an individual experiences mental imagery is thought to further relate with variability in the depth and acuity with which people perceive and experience the external world (Cui et al., 2007;Rademaker & Pearson, 2012), and may also be correlated with variability in how persons experience their bodily and emotional selves. Indeed guided imagery has long been used in psychotherapy and self-development practices as a means of improving affect regulation (e.g., Bigham, McDannel, Luciano, & Salgado-Lopez, 2014;Chiesa & Serretti, 2011;Esplen, Garfinkel, Olmsted, Gallop, & Kennedy, 1998;von Wietersheim, Wilke, Röser, & Meder, 2003), fostering character strengths (e.g., critical thinking; Krejci, 1997, heightened self-esteem;Omizo, Omizo, & Kitaoka, 1998), and increasing athletic performance (e.g., Murphy, 1994). ...
Background:Trait mindfulness is a multifaceted construct, although its association with measures of personality and individual differences remains poorly understood. Given that guided mindfulness meditations (MM) frequently involve focused imagery and are typically experienced as pleasant, we predicted that visual and embodied imagery vividness would mediate the association between mindful observing traits and pleasant experiences in response to guided MM. Study objectives and methods:137 undergraduate students and 371 participants from Amazon's MTurk web service completed questionnaire measures of mindfulness traits and multisensory imagery vividness. They then completed an 8-10 min MM involving guided imagery of visualizing and embodying the positive characteristics of natural objects (a mountain, sun, or tree). Participants rated the level of imagery vividness they experienced in the visual and embodied modalities as well as their emotional responses to the MM.Results:Mindful "observing" correlated with increased imagery vividness, both in response to standardized questionnaire and a guided MM. As predicted, vividness of visual and particularly embodied imagery mediated the association between trait mindful observing and experienced pleasantness in response to the MM.Conclusions:Individual differences in vividness of visual and embodied imagery are a construct of relevance to understanding mindfulness both as a state and trait.
Mastery and affect imagery ability are associated with facilitative stress appraisals, but there is scant research in non-athlete populations. Study 1 examined relationships between mastery and affect imagery ability with stress appraisals and perceived stress in a non-athlete population. Study 2 investigated the feasibility and acceptability of two-week layered stimulus response training (LSRT) to increase imagery ability, reduce stress, and elicit adaptive stress appraisals. In Study 1, 205 young adults ( Mage = 20.06, SD = 1.42) completed measures of imagery ability, perceived stress, and stress appraisals. In Study 2, 28 participants ( Mage = 21.04, SD = 1.67) completed the measures before and after a two-week LSRT intervention. Mastery and affect imagery ability were associated with challenge (positively) and threat (negatively) appraisals and perceived stress (negatively). LSRT was accepted and feasible with a high accrual, attendance, and engagement. Findings suggest LSRT could be effective for regulating stress in young adults.
Emerging adulthood is a stage within the developmental cycle in which teenagers transition into young adults. This phase of life comes with numerous changes, exciting experiences, and a variety of stressors. Navigating emerging adulthood can prove difficult for many individuals as they begin to explore their identities, pursue post-secondary endeavors, and engage in a variety of personal and professional relationships. While a healthy amount of stress is to be expected, there are also potential risk factors that could lead to increased levels of stress. Identifying coping strategies, evidence-based resources, and ways to connect emerging adults to stress management tools is important to understanding how to best serve this specific population.
Background and objectives: Imagery-based techniques have become a promising means in the treatment of test anxiety (TA). Although previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of imagery-based treatment, not all clients seem to benefit from it. The present study compares clients’ pre- as well as post-treatment emotion dynamics between responders and non-responders. Furthermore, it examines treatment-related changes in emotion dynamics in both subgroups.
Methods: The results are based on 44 clients suffering from TA who underwent a six-session imagery-based treatment and include Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Emotions were assessed with the Profile of Mood States four times a day over the course of two weeks before and after the treatment. Temporal networks were computed to index emotion dynamics.
Results: Pre-treatment emotion dynamics differed between responders and non-responders. Similarly, posttreatment emotion dynamics differed as well between both groups. Some changes were also observed between pre-treatment and post-treatment networks: for responders, fatigue no longer predicted anger, and depression predicted itself; for non-responders, calmness predicted fatigue, anger, depression, contentment, and anxiety. In addition, fatigue no longer predicted itself and anxiety predicted vigor.
Limitations: The investigation is marked by several limitations: a liberal inclusion threshold of at least a 50% response to EMA prompts, and a relatively homogenous sample.
Conclusion: These results provide first evidence for the idea that emotion dynamics may be associated with response to treatment for TA. Furthermore, effective imagery-based treatments may be tied to changes within these dynamics.
Guided imagery is a mind-body technique that involves the controlled visualization of goals, behaviors, and desired outcomes. This secondary analysis aimed to identify themes in guided imagery scripts for the self-regulation of diet and stress management by overweight and obese women who were trying to lose weight. The guided imagery scripts were developed with the participants using prompts to elicit evocative emotional and sensory terms and phrases. Directed content analysis from 40 participants (21 to 51 years of age) was performed by 2 independent coders to develop a coding scheme, reach consensus, and identify major themes. Results showed 4 second-order themes for both stress reduction and food cravings. Major qualitative themes for stress reduction were imagined “special” places, body sensations and sensory descriptors, cognitive processes, and emotions. The four food cravings themes were foods and food types, body sensations/sensory descriptors, cognitive processes, and emotions. These results provide a framework for health care practitioners to develop simple to use guided imagery scripts to help women regulate stress and dietary behavior. Recommendations are made about how guided imagery techniques can be delivered in-person or digitally by nutritionists, psychologists, or health educators.
There are a variety of stress management techniques that are used to deal with the stressors of life, both short term as well as long term. In this chapter, a special focus will be given to the science of positive psychology for combating stress and related scenarios. The structure of this chapter will begin with the introduction of stress and its related problems from a psychology point of view. This will be followed with a detailed elaboration of some of the commonly used stress management techniques. After laying the initial foundation, the concept and elements of positive psychology will be detailed. The chapter will then put forth a comprehensive picture of the value in action (VIA) 24 character strengths. With relevant examples backed by recent research in positive psychology, effective strategies and techniques of dealing with stress by utilizing our inner potentials will be highlighted in this chapter.
Autistic young adults are at a higher risk of experiencing elevated mental and psychological distress during times of isolation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the challenges related to uncertainty and abrupt changes in every aspect of daily life. In this research, we aim to develop participant-centric interventions for assisting autistic young adults in addressing their anxiety and stress during times of isolation. We first conducted an exploratory literature review to gather the design requirements for an effective stress management technology. Based on our findings, we designed our initial high-fidelity prototype, MindBot, a mindfulness and AI-based chatbot application. We conducted an in-depth qualitative study (semi-structured interviews with 15 autistic young adults and a cognitive walkthrough with 20 participants who have training in HCI and usability evaluation techniques) to identify the design and usability issues to improve the effectiveness of MindBot.
This paper examines whether employees' strategies to recognize (through self-recognition) and regulate (through job crafting, work-family management, and recovery) their internal and external demands and resources help them retain their well-being and performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examines whether an online self-training intervention can stimulate the use of these strategies. A randomized control trial with a waitlist control group and pre-post measure (N intervention group = 62, N control group = 77) was executed, consisting of four modules with videos, exercises, and three assignments. Participants of the intervention group reported improved self-recognition (noticing, self-focused emotional intelligence), job crafting (seeking resources and challenges), recovery (psychological detachment and relaxation), and reduced work-family conflict. Moreover, the intervention group reported reduced fatigue and increased happiness with life and task performance after the intervention. Improvements in self-focused emotional intelligence, relaxation, and reduced work-family conflict could explain the progress of these distal outcomes. This study reveals the strategies that can help employees to maintain high levels of well-being and performance while working from home and how to improve them using an evidence-based self-training intervention.
Background:
Older adults have been considered a primary at-risk population during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and many efforts have been and still are directed toward supporting them and enhancing their capacity to cope with the pandemic. Evidence shows that by enhancing proactive coping abilities through psychological interventions, in which cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques are taught and practiced effectively, these interventions have supported older adults throughout the pandemic. However, the underlying mechanisms by which specific intervention components affect various mental states such as distress, depression and loneliness among older adults remain unclear and warrant investigation.
Aim:
To determine the effect of an intervention using cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques on changes in distress, depression and loneliness.
Methods:
We performed a secondary analysis on data from a previous study in which community-dwelling older adults attended a short-term, internet-based intervention during the first COVID-19 wave in Israel. The intervention included seven sessions during which various cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques were learned and practiced. In-session changes in psychological distress were measured using the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS), which participants rated at the beginning and end of each session. Participants also filled out questionnaires that evaluated levels of depression [Patient Health Ques-tionnaire (PHQ-9)] and loneliness (UCLA loneliness Scale) prior to and after the entire intervention process. The effect of in-session changes in the SUDS on changes in post-intervention depression and loneliness levels were assessed, as a proxy for distinct technique effectiveness.
Results:
The findings indicated in-session differences in terms of a decrease in psychological distress (SUDS). Sessions that included relaxation exercises and guided imagery, as well as sessions that included cognitive restructuring and mindfulness meditation, demonstrated the largest decreases in in-session psychological distress (≥ 35%). Two multivariate regression models, one for levels of post-intervention depression (PHQ-9 score) and the other for levels of post-intervention loneliness (UCLA loneliness score), were fitted. The results revealed two statistically significant explanatory variables for depression: The SUDS difference for sessions in which cognitive restructuring and mindfulness meditation were practiced, beta = -0.25, 95%CI: -1.23 to -0.1, and the pre-intervention level of depression, beta = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.37-0.75. The second model for loneliness revealed only one significant explanatory variable: The SUDS difference for sessions in which relaxation and guided imagery were practiced, beta = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.14-0.65.
Conclusion:
Different psychological techniques seem to have different effects on distress, loneliness and depression. Understanding the pathways by which distinct techniques affect negative mental symptoms has implications for future intervention design.
Therapy that uses “Guided Images” along with visualization to restore or increase the positiveness in behaviors and thoughts with stress reduction is referred to as Guided Imagery Therapy. The most critical requirement for this therapy is that the client should be in a relaxed state so that the subconscious mind can be accessed and the relationship between the visual cortex and the nervous system can be utilized optimally. As a result, the physical and the emotional states get positively impacted which increases the possibility of achieving the desired changes. In machine learning, GAN or Generative Adversarial Networks can be defined as the process of generating the output by learning the pattern and the regularities of the input data in such a manner that it is not possible to identify the origin of the output. Therefore, GAN can be substantially utilized to generate images that can be used by the therapist for “Guided Imagery Therapy”.
In these unprecedented times, health care professionals have experienced new levels of stress, creating a greater risk for burnout, poor physical and mental health, and unhealthy coping behaviors. Guided Imagery offers an effective, low cost method to quickly counteract the stress response and turn on the relaxation response, even with a brief practice. Guided Imagery uses descriptive language to evoke a pleasant, relaxing multi-sensory experience to improve mood, cognition, and physical comfort. Guided imagery recordings from respected health institutions abound, often free of charge, and when health care professionals have access to these resources and the support of their health care settings to engage in these abbreviated practices, they can feel restored and revitalized after just a few minutes of Guided Imagery.
The anxiety and anticipation that accompany pregnancy, labor, and delivery may be relieved by education providing knowledge regarding the physiological process of childbirth. Intrapartum ultrasound is an available, simple, intuitive, real-time tool that enables visualization of the fetal head within the birth canal. Both the attending staff and the expectant parent can assess its movements and descent in response to the pushing efforts during the active pushing phase. This review describes the potential obstetrical and psychological advantages of intrapartum ultrasound in managing the active pushing phase.
Objectives
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of an imagery intervention on eudaimonic well-being (EWB) of soccer players using a single-subject multiple baseline design.
Methods
Five female varsity level soccer players ( M age =19.80, SD =1.64) participated in the study. Each athlete engaged in eight individual imagery sessions (i.e., intervention phase) aimed at increasing EWB.
Results
Visual and statistical analyses demonstrated a small increase on EWB for two participants. However, post-intervention interviews revealed that all the players believed the intervention was beneficial and had a positive impact on their EWB.
Conclusions
The utility of employing imagery interventions for enhancing athletes’ EWB in various contexts within and outside sport was highlighted.
The central purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between certain personal qualities with high and optimal sexual satisfaction. There is a breadth of research on sexual function and dysfunction and several studies on sexual satisfaction. However, very little research exists on what kind of qualities are likely to lead to optimal sexual experiences, and to my knowledge this is the first quantitative study on the topic. The author selected three key qualities–sensuality, imagination, and curiosity—to examine how they relate to high and optimal sexual satisfaction. Because the literature has shown strong support of the positive relationship between sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, participants were divided into two groups – those judged to be in secure relationships versus those in insecure relationships. A large sample of people (N = 195) completed an online survey composed of five measures. Results indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between sensuality, imagination, and curiosity with sexual satisfaction—but only among individuals in a secure relationship. Results indicate a statistically significant positive correlation of sensuality and imagination among those with optimal sexual satisfaction. In conclusion, implications are discussed, including strengths and limitations of the study, suggestions for sex therapists and sex educators, and recommendations for future research.
Objectives:
to assess the obstetrical and psychological effect of visual biofeedback using trans-perineal ultrasound (TPU) during the second stage of labor.
Methods:
Visual biofeedback using TPU was performed prospectively during the second stage of labor in twenty-six low risk nulliparous women. Pushing efficacy was assessed by the angle of progression at rest and during pushing efforts before and after observing the ultrasound screen. Obstetrical outcomes included level of perineal tearing, mode of delivery and length of the second stage. Psychological outcomes were assessed via self-report measures during the postnatal hospital stay. These included measures of perceived control and maternal satisfaction with childbirth as well as level of maternal feelings of connectedness toward her newborn. Obstetrical and psychological results were compared to a control group (n=69) who received standard obstetrical coaching by midwifes.
Results:
Pushing efficacy significantly increased following visual biofeedback by TPU (p = 0.01). A significant association was found between the visual biofeedback and an intact perineum following delivery (p = 0.03). No significant differences were found in regard to mode of delivery or the length of the second stage. Feelings of maternal connectedness towards the newborn were significantly higher in the visual biofeedback group relative to non-biofeedback controls (p = 0.003).
Conclusions:
The results of this pilot study implicate that TPU may serve as a complementary tool to coached maternal pushing during the second stage of labor with obstetrical as well as psychological benefits. Further studies are required to confirm our findings and define the exact timing for optimal results.
A quantitative review was undertaken of recent research in which abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation training (APRT) was used as an intervention for psychophysiological and stress-related disorders. The strength of association between APRT and outcome measures was calculated for 29 experiments published after 1980. The average effect size across all experiments was moderate (r = .40). Moreover, for experiments that included a follow-up assessment, a similar effect size was noted at the first follow-up (r = .43). Additionally, experiments that used a prospective design (i.e., analyzed change) detected a stronger effect for APRT than those that used a cross-sectional design (i.e., compared groups). APRT was most strongly associated with improvement in experiments that delivered APRT on an individual basis and provided recipients with training tapes. Moreover, the treatment duration and number of sessions positively influenced the strength of association.
Natural Stress Relief (NSR) Meditation, a mental technique practiced for 15 minutes twice a day, reduces stress and anxiety by inducing a physiological state of deep rest. Regular practice of this technique appears to reduce trait anxiety and to develop qualities associated with self-actualization, such as inner peace, satisfaction, and creativity. This article reports new research that documents this effect using psychometric measures. A group of 31 practitioners showed, after four weeks of regular practice, a significant reduction of trait anxiety as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983) (effect size d = .69, calculated following Cohen), and a significant increase of self-actualization as measured by the Jones and Crandall (1986) Short Index of Self-Actualization (SISA; effect size d = .47).
This article presents theory and research on the scientific study of emotion thatemphasizes the importance of coherence as an optimal psychophysiological state. Adynamic systems view of the interrelations between psychological, cognitive andemotional systems and neural communication networks in the human organism providesa foundation for the view presented. These communication networks are examined froman information processing perspective and reveal a fundamental order in heart-braininteractions and a harmonious synchronization of physiological systems associated withpositive emotions. The concept of coherence is drawn on to understand optimalfunctioning which is naturally reflected in the heart’s rhythmic patterns. Research ispresented identifying various psychophysiological states linked to these patterns, withneurocardiological coherence emerging as having significant impacts on well being.These include psychophysiological as well as improved cognitive performance. Fromthis, the central role of the heart is explored in terms of biochemical, biophysical andenergetic interactions. Appendices provide further details and research on;psychophysiological functioning, reference previous research in this area, details onresearch linking coherence with optimal cognitive performance, heart brainsynchronization and the energetic signature of the various psychophysiological modes.
Heart rate and blood pressure, as well as other physiological systems, among healthy people, show a complex pattern of variability, characterized by multifrequency oscillations. There is evidence that these oscillations reflect the activity of homeostatic reflexes. Biofeedback training to increase the amplitude of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) maximally increases the amplitude of heart rate oscillations only at approximately 0.1 Hz. To perform this task people slow their breathing to this rate to a point where resonance occurs between respiratory-induced oscillations (RSA) and oscillations that naturally occur at this rate, probably triggered in part by baroreflex activity. We hypothesize that this type of biofeedback exercises the baroreflexes, and renders them more efficient. A manual is presented for carrying out this method. Supporting data are provided in Lehrer, Smetankin, and Potapova (2000) in this issue.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mood disorder that can result in significant discomfort as well as interpersonal and functional disability. A growing body of research indicates that autonomic function is altered in depression, as evidenced by impaired baroreflex sensitivity, changes in heart rate, and reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Decreased vagal activity and increased sympathetic arousal have been proposed as major contributors to the increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in participants with MDD, and baroreflex gain is decreased.
To assess the feasibility of using HRV biofeedback to treat major depression.
This was an open-label study in which all eleven participants received the treatment condition. Participants attended 10 weekly sessions. Questionnaires and physiological data were collected in an orientation (baseline) session and Treatment Sessions 1, 4, 7 and 10.
Significant improvements were noted in the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) by Session 4, with concurrent increases in SDNN, standard deviation of normal cardiac interbeat intervals) an electrocardiographic estimate of overall measure of adaptability. SDNN decreased to baseline levels at the end of treatment and at follow-up, but clinically and statistically significant improvement in depression persisted. Main effects for task and session occurred for low frequency range (LF) and SDNN. Increases in these variables also occurred during breathing at one's resonant frequency, which targets baroreflex function and vagus nerve activity, showing that subjects performed the task correctly.
HRV biofeedback appears to be a useful adjunctive treatment for the treatment of MDD, associated with large acute increases in HRV and some chronic increases, suggesting increased cardiovagal activity. It is possible that regular exercise of homeostatic reflexes helps depression even when changes in baseline HRV are smaller. A randomized controlled trial is warranted.
The authors evaluated the effects on stress, rumination, forgiveness, and hope of two 8-week, 90-min/wk training programs for college undergraduates in meditation-based stress-management tools.
After a pretest, the authors randomly allocated college undergraduates to training in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR; n = 15), Easwaran's Eight-Point Program (EPP; n = 14), or wait-list control (n = 15). The authors gathered pretest, posttest, and 8-week follow-up data on self-report outcome measures.
The authors observed no post-treatment differences between MBSR and EPP or between posttest and 8-week follow-up (p > .10). Compared with controls, treated participants (n = 29) demonstrated significant benefits for stress (p < .05, Cohen's d = -.45) and forgiveness (p < .05, d = .34) and marginal benefits for rumination (p < .10, d = -.34).
Evidence suggests that meditation-based stress-management practices reduce stress and enhance forgiveness among college undergraduates. Such programs merit further study as potential health-promotion tools for college populations.
Quantitative research has shown Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programmes can reduce mood disturbance, improve quality of life, and decrease stress symptoms of cancer patients. However, the range of subjective effects experienced by programme participants has not been clearly described. Nine cancer patients who had participated in an 8-week MBSR programme through the Tom Baker Cancer Centre's Department of Psychosocial Resources, and who continued to attend weekly drop-in MBSR sessions were interviewed for this study. Qualitative research was conducted using grounded theory analysis. Data from semi-structured interviews and a focus group were analysed using QSR N6 software to identify themes concerning the effects patients experienced by adding meditation to their lives. Five major themes emerged from the data: (1) opening to change; (2) self-control; (3) shared experience; (4) personal growth; (5) spirituality. This information was used to develop specific theory concerning mechanisms whereby MBSR effects change for cancer patients. These understandings may be used to refine and further develop MBSR programmes to better assist patients during cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The primary goal of the study was to assess the efficacy of mindfulness-based meditation therapy on anxiety, depression, and spiritual well-being of Japanese patients undergoing anticancer treatment. A secondary goal was to assess the relationships among anxiety, depression, spiritual well-being, growth, appreciation, pain, and symptoms.
The subjects were 28 patients who were receiving anticancer treatment. The subjects participated in two sessions of mindfulness-based meditation therapy, including breathing, yoga movement and meditation. Each patient was taught the program in the first session, then exercised at home with a CD, and subsequently met the interviewer in a second session after 2 weeks. Primary physicians recruited the patients and interviews were conducted individually by nurses or psychologists with training in the program. Patients completed preintervention and postintervention questionnaires on anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]), spiritual well-being (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual [FACIT-Sp]), and appreciation, growth, pain, and symptoms.
HADS scores significantly decreased from 12 +/- 5.3 to 8.6 +/- 6.3 (p = 0.004) after the intervention, and FACIT-Sp increased from 32 +/- 6.5 to 33 +/- 6.9 (p = 0.69), but the change was not significant. There were significant associations between FACIT-Sp and HADS (r = -0.78, p = 000), FACIT-Sp and growth (r = -0.35, p = 0.04), FACIT-Sp and pain (r = -0.41, p = 0.02), and growth and appreciation (r = 0.45, p = 0.009).
Mindfulness-based meditation therapy may be effective for anxiety and depression in Japanese cancer patients, and spiritual well-being is related to anxiety and depression, growth, and pain. The negative correlation of spirituality with growth differs from the results of previous studies and the mechanism of this effect needs to be investigated further.
The impact of stress on physical functioning (endocrine, gastrointestinal, immune, and cardiovascular systems) is reviewed. The effect of stress on psychiatric functioning and health behaviors also is discussed. The importance of stress screening in primary care is emphasized, and several methods of stress reduction (including exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction) appropriate to primary care settings are described.
The purpose of this study was to assess the psychophysiological stress-reducing properties of progressive relaxation compared with hypnosis, and deep abdominal breathing compared with a baseline condition, while controlling for hypnotizability. 231 nursing students experienced the baseline procedure and progressive relaxation in Session 1 and deep abdominal breathing and hypnosis in Session 2 about a week later. Before and after each technique peripheral skin temperature and pulse rate were assessed. Separate analyses of variance, computed for the first and second sets of techniques, indicated that progressive relaxation and hypnosis both increased skin temperature and reduced pulse rate, suggesting reduced psychophysiological responsivity. Deep abdominal breathing was associated with a significant reduction in physiological responsivity (skin temperature) relative to baseline. Hypnotic susceptibility had no effect on the psychophysiological measures.
This controlled pilot study explored the effects of biofeedback assisted relaxation (BFRT) in neurocardiogenic syncope. Twenty-two patients who completed a 2-week pretest, were randomized to either treatment or wait list control, followed by a 2-week posttreatment/control period. Treatment comprised electromyograph and thermal biofeedback, autogenic and progressive relaxation, and symptom-specific recommendations. Significant differences (p < .05) between groups were observed in the headache index and loss of consciousness, favoring the BFRT group. Both groups decreased state anxiety and depression. The Millon Behavioral Health Inventory was used to assess patients' coping style and adjustment to illness. The majority of the adult participants evidenced illness overreaction, preoccupation with illness, depressive feelings, and tendencies to nonadherence to therapy. BFRT is of potential benefit to patients with neurocardiogenic syncope, but further study is necessary to define the influence of coping style on outcome.
Evaluation of Siddha Samadhi Yoga for anxiety and depression symptoms: A preliminary study
- E Kozasa
- R Santos
- X Kleda
- A Benedito-Silva
- F Ornellas
- J Leite
- Kozasa, E.,
Stress symptoms, signs, and causes: the effects of stress overload and what you can do about it
- Helpguide
Beach visualization relaxation
- C Raudebaugh
- Raudebaugh, C.
Preliminary results of an open-label study of heart rate variability biofeedback for the treatment of major depression
- M K Karavidas
- P M Lehrer
- E G Vaschillo
- B Vaschillo
- H Marin
- S Buyske
- I Malinovsky
- Karavidas, M. K.,