Guided imagery interventions for symptom management.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Complementary Therapies

Background:

• Nursing literature has long advocated cognitive interventions.
• Growing consumer use of complementary therapies necessitates evidence-based validation.
• Healthcare system costs drive the need for effective, non-pharmacological interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review guided imagery intervention studies published between 1966 and 1998.
• To assess the efficacy of guided imagery for psychological and physiological symptoms.
• To identify gaps in the existing research on guided imagery.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of nursing, medical, and psychological literature.
• Included 46 studies on guided imagery interventions.
• Focused on studies published from 1966 to 1998.

Main Results:

• Preliminary evidence supports guided imagery for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Guided imagery may reduce blood pressure, pain, and chemotherapy side effects.
• Identified need for well-designed studies on various aspects of guided imagery.

Conclusions:

• Guided imagery demonstrates potential as a complementary therapy.
• Further research is required to determine optimal use and effectiveness.
• Unanswered questions include optimal delivery, dosage, and influencing factors.