Are all guided imagery scenarios solitary experiences? What ...

[c0205847]

Are all guided imagery scenarios solitary experiences?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How is guided imagery used in behavioral medicine applications? Provide an example from the research literature.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[Tonyam972]

Answer to Question 1

Like the guided imagery scenario just described of a relaxing experience floating on a boat in a shallow lake, most guided imagery scenarios are solitary experiences. A less common theme involves the participant relaxing with other people such as in the following scenario: imagine yourself surrounded by one or more positive people who make you feel secure, happy, and relaxed (La Roche, Batista, & D'Angelo, 2011, p. 50). Even though they are less common, some individuals may find people-oriented themes more comforting than solitary themes.

Answer to Question 2

In behavioral medicine applications, guided imagery is sometimes used to help medical patients reduce pain, enhance health-related quality of life, or attempt to strengthen their immune systems and promote healing. For example, King (2010) concluded from her review of the relevant literature of cancer patients with pain, that there is evidence that guided imagery has potential as an adjunct to traditional treatments in reducing cancer-related pain. However, she notes that the research in the area is limited, has small sample sizes, and is generally low in methodological quality. Therefore, she is hesitant to give concrete recommendations that GI guided imagery will work for all patients that suffer from cancer pain..