Empirical Research

The Effects of Guided Imagery on Affect, Cognition, and Pain in Older Adults in Residential Care: A Randomized Controlled Study from Thailand

Kelly J. Elsegood, BA (Hons), DClinPsych; Nahathai Wongpakaran, MD, FRCPsychT

  • Research in Gerontological Nursing
  • April 2012 - Volume 5 · Issue 2: 114-122
  • DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20110706-02
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Abstract

Few studies have examined the effects of guided imagery on older adults in residential care. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of group-delivered guided imagery over a 16-day period with a sample of Thai older adults in residential care (N = 31). Residents were randomly allocated to the guided imagery treatment group or usual care control group. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding affective states, cognitive functioning, or pain. The results are discussed in relation to a ceiling effect and other methodological factors that may have contributed to the lack of positive outcomes. As the evidence base remains inconclusive, it is hoped that future studies will seek to establish the effects of using guided imagery with older adults in residential care.

AUTHORS

Dr. Elsegood is Clinical Psychologist, Community Mental Health and Addictions Service, Hutt Valley District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand; and Dr. Wongpakaran is Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Chiang Mai University, and Head of Geriatric Psychiatry Unit, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dr. Elsegood conducted this study while visiting at the Department of Psychiatry at Chiang Mai University and Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support. The authors thank Parinyaporn Srisukho, BNS, for devoting her time and energy to the project, making the guided imagery intervention possible; Prongnapa Akarachinores, BNS, Siriya Inyeaw, BNS, Kanlaya Kaewsom, BNS, and Yupasinee Kumtui, BNS, for assisting with data collection; and Chutamas Panthong for lending her pleasant voice to the guided imagery CDs. The authors also acknowledge the following colleagues for helping with the translation of the guided imagery scripts: Dr. Yanisa Phothitirat, Dr. Piyawat Dendumrongkul, Dr. Kasiramat Munkham, and Dr. Nutmethi Nopphachaianun.

Address correspondence to Kelly J. Elsegood, BA (Hons.), D.Clin.Psych., Clinical Psychologist, Community Mental Health and Addictions Service, Hutt Valley District Health Board, 40-42 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand; e-mail: Kell3@hotmail.com.

 

Received: August 17, 2010
Accepted: March 15, 2011
Posted: July 15, 2011

doi: 10.3928/19404921-20110706-02

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