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The Darkness therapy is known as a Chamber Restricted Environemntal Stimulation
(REST) among researches. Among public it is also known as "die Dunkeltherapie“(german
term by Holger Kalweit). The essence of this method, how it is applied in the Czech
Republic, is to stay in a special chamber in total darkness, silence and social isolation for
one week. We investigated the potential of this technique in terms of impact on the
experience level of anxiety, depression and well-being.
Abstract
Introduction
Conclusion
The Darkness therapy in the Czech Republic has becoming a very popular technique (form
of therapy) to various stress-related complaints. Among public it is regarded as an unusual
and unique form of relaxation, rest, self-knowledge, spiritual experience, and sometimes as
a specific “restart“.As our results show, the Darkness therapy, in our conditions, also
appears to be a useful stress-management tool for reducing anxiety and depression.
References
In subjective statements we found some indicators, which support the quantitative data.
With regard to well-being, qualitative evaluation of the interviews showed that
participants often declare that the Darkness therapy stay was intensively relaxing
experience. Participants felt less stressed and had higher proportion of energy than
before the stay and, especially, higher zest for life after the stay.
Results from HADS and SCL-90 showed that there was a significant improvement in
scoring in both anxiety and depression subscales (as tables 1-3 show):
The review of the REST research aplications of Chamber REST (Darkness therapy)
concluded that it is the versatile and useful tool. One of the main effects of Darkness
therapy, proven in many studies, is the resulting state of relaxation. In some ways it is
similar to (and may in fact be classified with) a category of refocusing and relaxation
therapies. The effect on health is because it provides a period of low distraction and relief
from stimulus overload. People than can more easily deal with their problems.
The Darkness therapy procedure is held in an solid object without windows. There is an
absolute darkness. It is not absolutely sound-proof, but the elimination of environmental
noises is very high. The participant is able to freely move in the object, but he is not
allowed to leave, otherwise the procedure ends (of course he can end the procedure
anytime he wants to). Social facilities (WC, bathroom) are available, food and beverages
are daily provided. The participant can have a session with the therapist/guide daily. There
is also a 24 hr phone connection to the therapist and to a doctor in the object.
Marek Malůš, Veronika Kavková, Martin kupka
RestArt.research@gmail.com
Department of Psychology, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
The Darkness therapy as a tool for reducing
anxiety, depression and for increasing well-being
Objectives
Methods
Results
The research included 36 volunteers who have undergone a week-long darkness therapy
stay, which is offered by Beskydy Rehabilatation Centre in Čeladná (Czech Republic).
Before and after the stay participants completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
(HADS; Zigmond & Snaith, 1983)to determine their levels of anxiety and depression.
As another indicator of anxiety and depression we chose analogous subscales from
Symptoms Checklist (SCL-90; Derogatis et al., 1973). It is designed to evaluate a broad
range of psychological problems and symptoms of psychopathology.
We also did structured interviews with the participants before and after the darkness
therapy stay. In these interviews they were asked about their feelings, motivation,
expectations, thoughts, decisions, experiences etc. Those we searched for statements
about well-being.
The aim of our study was to determine the influence of a week-long Darkness therapy
(Chamber REST) stay on experienced levels of anxiety and depression.
Phelps, J. (2008): Dark therapy for bipolar disorder using amber lenses for blue light
blockade. Medical Hypothese 70,224–229.
Suedfeld, P. (1980): Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Clinical
Applications. New York, John Wiley and Sons.
Suedfeld, P. (1989): Perceptual isolation, sensory deprivation, and REST: Moving
introductory psychology texts out of the 1950's. Canadian Psychology 30,1,17–29.
Zubek, J., P. (Ed). (1969): Sensory Deprivation: Fifteen Years of Research. New York,
Appleton-Century-Crofts.
This research was supported by IGA_FF_2014_030.
Pic. 1: Darkness therapy object in Beskydy Rehabilitation Centre in Čeladná
Pic. 2: Inside the object - the room for the Darkness therapy procedure
Tab. 1: The resulst of HADS show a depreciation in both anxiety and depression (p < 0,001).
Tab. 2: The results of SCL-90 show a depreciation in both anxiety and depression (p < 0,001).
HADS
Pre/post values Differences t-test
scale
M pre
M post
SD pre
SD post
M dif SD dif t p d
Anxiety
8,24 5,51 4,03 3,45 -2,73 3,02 -5,49 < 0,001 -0,90
Depression
4,41 2,62 2,84 1,80 -1,78 2,39 -4,53 < 0,001 -0,75
SCL
Pre/post values Differences t-test
scale
M pre
M post
SD pre
SD post
M dif SD dif t p d
Anxiety
5,92 2,83 5,43 2,83 -3,08 4,07 -4,54 < 0,001 -0,76
Depression
10,06 3,81 8,27 3,95 -6,25 6,82 -5,50 < 0,001 -0,92
