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relaxation techniques pmr guided imagery review

Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition (OFFICIAL)

Page 55 Review

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Review of Relaxation Techniques and Guided Imagery

The Power of Relaxation: A Review of Techniques and Guided Imagery

This review delves into the efficacy and applications of various relaxation techniques, particularly progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and guided imagery, based on the provided references.

These methods have been extensively studied and applied in diverse fields, from managing stress and anxiety to aiding in cancer treatment and improving overall well-being.

Understanding Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Progressive Muscle Relaxation, a technique pioneered by Edmund Jacobson, involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce overall body tension.

As highlighted in the references, “Jacobson, E. (1938).

Progressive relaxation (2nd ed.).

University of Chicago Press.”, this method has stood the test of time.

Bernstein and Borkovec’s manual offers a practical guide for professionals, emphasizing the technique’s accessibility and effectiveness: “Bernstein, D.

A., & Borkovec, T.

D. (1973).

Progressive relaxation training: A manual for the helping professions.

Research Press.”

Applications and Benefits of PMR

PMR has shown promise in various settings.

Hashim & Zainol’s study demonstrates its positive impact on children’s emotional distress and cognitive functions: “Hashim, H.

A., & Zainol, N.

A. (2015).

Changes in emotional distress, short term memory, and sustained attention following 6 and 12 sessions of progressive muscle relaxation training in 10-11 years old primary school children, Psychology, Health & Medicine, 20(5), 623-628.” Furthermore, McCallie, Blum, & Hood provide an overview of its applications in social environments: “McCallie, M.

S., Blum, C.

M., & Hood, C.

J. (2006).

Progressive muscle relaxation.

Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 13(3), 51-66.” The origins and clinical applications are detailed by McGuigan & Lehrer, placing PMR within the broader context of stress management: “McGuigan, F.

J., & Lehrer, P.

M. (2007).

Progressive relaxation: Origins, principles, and clinical applications.

In P.

M.

Lehrer, RL.

Woolfolk, & W.

E.

Sime (Eds.), Principles and practice of stress management (3rd ed., pp. 57-87).

Guilford Press.” A readily accessible resource for learning PMR is also available on YouTube: “Freebird Meditations. (2012, June 17).

Progressive muscle relaxation guided meditation [Video].

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDZI-4udE o”

Exploring Guided Imagery: A Mental Sanctuary

Guided imagery involves creating and focusing on mental images to promote relaxation and healing.

Achterberg’s work highlights the role of imagery in healing processes: “Achterberg, J. (1985).

Imagery in healing.

Shambhala Publications.” Lange’s presentation at the American Psychological Association emphasizes a realistic approach to guided imagery: “Lange, S. (1982, August 23-27).

A realistic look at guided fantasy (Paper presentation), American Psychological Association 90th Annual Convention, Washington, DC.”

The Therapeutic Potential of Guided Imagery

Guided imagery has been explored in managing various health conditions.

Ball et al. investigated its use in treating recurrent abdominal pain in children: “Ball, T.

M., Shapiro, D.

E., Monheim, C.

J., & Weydert, J.

A. (2003).

A pilot study of the use of guided imagery for the treatment of recurrent abdominal pain in children.

Clinical Pediatrics, 42(6), 527-532.” Holden-Lund examined its effects on surgical stress and wound healing: “Holden-Lund, C. (1988).

Effects of relaxation with guided imagery on surgical stress and wound healing.

Research in Nursing & Health, 11(4), 235-244.” Menzies et al. studied its impact on biobehavioral factors in women with fibromyalgia: “Menzies, V., Lyon, D.

E., Elswick, R.

K., Jr., McCain, N.

L., & Gray, D.

P. (2014).

Effects of guided imagery on biobehavioral factors in women with fibromyalgia.

Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 37(1), 70-80.”

Relaxation Techniques in Specific Contexts

Several studies focus on the application of relaxation techniques in specific populations.

Baider, Uziely, & Kaplan De-Nour explored the combination of PMR and guided imagery for cancer patients: “Baider, L., Uziely, B., & Kaplan De-Nour, A. (1994).

Progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in cancer patients, General Hospital Psychiatry, 16(5), 340-347.” Other research investigated cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions alongside relaxation for cancer patients.

Bottomley reviewed group CBT interventions: “Bottomley, A. (1996).

Group cognitive behavioural therapy interventions with cancer patients: A review of the literature.

European Journal of Cancer Care, 5(3), 143-146.” Cohen & Fried compared relaxation training with CBT for women with breast cancer: “Cohen, M., & Fried, G. (2007).

Comparing relaxation training and cognitive-behavioral group therapy for women with breast cancer.

Research on Social Work Practice, 17(3), 313-323.” Cunningham & Tocco conducted a randomized trial of psychoeducational therapy for cancer patients: “Cunningham, A.

J., & Tocco, E.

K. (1989).

A randomized trial of group psychoeducational therapy for cancer patients.

Patient Education and Counseling, 14(2), 101-114.”

The Broader Context of Stress and Well-being

The American Psychological Association’s report highlights the state of stress in the nation: “American Psychological Association. (2017).

Stress in America: The state of our nation.” This underscores the importance of accessible and effective stress management techniques like PMR and guided imagery.

Hardy’s blog post discusses mindfulness in the context of insomnia: “Hardy, K (2017, October 8).

Mindfulness is plentiful in ‘The post-traumatic insomnia workbook.’ Veterans Training Support Center. http://bit.ly/2D6ux8U”

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Relaxation Techniques: PMR & Guided Imagery Review