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Relationship between relaxation by guided imagery and performance of working memory
J A Hudetz1, A G Hudetz, J Klayman
1Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA. jhudetz@uwm.edu
Psychological Reports
|April 25, 2000
Summary
Guided imagery relaxation significantly improved working-memory performance in healthy adults. This relaxation technique enhanced scores on the Letter-Number Sequencing Test, suggesting broader cognitive benefits.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Working memory is crucial for cognitive functions.
- Guided imagery is a relaxation technique with potential cognitive benefits.
- Understanding factors that enhance working memory is important for cognitive performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if guided imagery relaxation improves working-memory performance in healthy individuals.
- To compare the effects of guided imagery with popular music and no treatment on working memory.
Main Methods:
- 30 healthy volunteers (ages 17-56) were randomly assigned to three groups.
- Participants completed the WAIS-III Letter-Number Sequencing Test before and after a 10-minute intervention.
- Interventions included guided imagery, popular music, or no treatment (control).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in pre-treatment scores across groups.
- Working-memory scores significantly increased in the guided imagery group post-intervention.
- No significant changes in scores were observed in the music or control groups.
Conclusions:
- Guided imagery relaxation effectively enhances working-memory performance in healthy adults.
- The findings suggest that prior relaxation through guided imagery can improve cognitive processing.
- This has implications for using relaxation techniques to boost cognitive functions.
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