Effect of Guided Imagery on Stress, Physical Complaints, and Occupational Well-Being in Pregnant Adolescents

Sean Sparrow, OTS and Mary Schneider PhD, OTR, and Lesa Reisdorf MA Occupational Therapy Program, Dept. of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODS

RESULTS CONCLUSIONSINTRODUCTION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Figure 1. Psychological Stress Measure-9 Pretest & Posttest Scores

Thanks to the Gertrude E. Gaston Fund, Dr. Mary Schneider, Dr. Wilbarger, and the students and staff of SAPAR for making this research project possible.

Implications for Practice

• Mean differences between session 1 and session 4 suggest that the use of GI decreases post-intervention stress levels over a period of time.

• GI may decrease complaints of physical aches, sore backs, headaches, stiff necks, and stomach aches.

• Decreased levels of occupational well-being may be a result of the biological and psychological changes occurring during the progression of pregnancy.

• Future research is needed to determine appropriate frequency and duration of GI intervention. Long term follow-up is also needed to track stress levels and continued use of GI intervention.

Three pregnant adolescents ages 15,16, & 17 from the School Age Parent Program (SAPAR) participated in this study. A quasi-experimental, one-way repeated measures design was used during the 4 sessions of GI.

Guided Imagery (GI): Guided Imagery for pregnancy through labor and delivery. Audio recording by Diane L. Tusek, RN (Tusek, 2010). Adapted to 13 minutes. Audio recording downloaded onto MP3 players.

Psychological Stress Measure-9 (PSM-9)•The original form was published by Louise Lemyre and Réjean Tessier in 1988 and the 9 item was published in 2002 (Lemyre & Tessier, 2003).•Questionnaire measuring perceived stress levels. •PSM-9 given before and after each GI session.Perceived Physical Complaints•Question on PSM-9 measuring complaints of physical aches and pains, head ache, sore back, stiff neck, and stomach ache.Occupational Well-Being Questionnaire (OWBQ)•24 item questionnaire measuring meaning and satisfaction of occupations in daily life developed by Susan Doble (Doble & Santha, 2008).•OWBQ given before and after 4 total sessions.

Participant Pretest Posttest Point Difference

1 92 82 -10

2 74 73 -1

3 70 57 -13

Figure 2. Reported Levels of Physical Complaints on Psychological Stress Measure-9

Table 1. Occupational Well-Being Questionnaire Pretest & Posttest Scores

High PSM-9 Scores suggest a trend for high levels of stress

High PSM-9 scores suggest a trend for high level of stress

• Data analysis revealed non-significant results for overall pretest and posttest scores and scores across sessions. Mean differences between pretest and posttest ratings indicated a decrease in stress levels for all participants.

• Reported levels of perceived physical complaints resulted in non significant findings. Participants reported a trend for a decrease in physical complaints after using guided imagery intervention.

• Reported levels of satisfaction designated by occupational well-being scores showed a non-significant trend for decrease after GI intervention.

• Occupational Therapists (OTs) can aid in the integration of a GI intervention into daily habits and routines for adolescents experiencing stress during pregnancy.

• Scope of GI intervention can be expanded for use with other clients experiencing stress and physical complaints in addition to a disability, disease, or condition.

Elements of Client Centered Treatment• OT’s provide independence in clients’ ability to manage their own stress levels • OT intervention in development of stress-free environment• OT Client and Family education for stress reduction

strategies• OT assessment of meaningful activities of daily living

HYPOTHESISGuided Imagery Intervention will decrease perceived stress levels, decrease physical complaints, and increase occupational well-being.

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