The effects of imagery on attitudes and moods in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of imagery for influencing attitudes and moods in multiple sclerosis patients.

Design: Experimental pretest-posttest, control-group.

Setting: Outpatient group in Central Pennsylvania.

Patients: 33 patients with mean ages of 43.93 years in the imagery group and 46.33 years in the control group. All subjects previously were identified with multiple sclerosis.

Intervention: Control group subjects followed their typical medical protocol and completed pretest and posttest measures. Imagery group subjects completed pretest and posttest measures and participated in a six-session group process that included brief exposure to relaxation training and ongoing work with biologically oriented imagery. Relaxation training and imagery were practiced on a daily basis. Imagery group subjects also produced imagery drawings, which were assessed after the third and sixth sessions.

Main outcome measures: Profile of Mood States, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Health Attribution Test, Imagery Assessment Tool, and Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Checklist.

Main results: Imagery group subjects demonstrated significant reductions in state anxiety and significant alteration in their illness imagery because of feedback obtained during the study.

Conclusion: Use of the relaxation/imagery protocol led to clinically significant reductions in state anxiety. Imagery may be assessed through drawings that allow for positive modification of the imagery material to increase its utility and power.