Guided Imagery and Relaxation Audio for Children with Cancer: Development and Evaluation

Abstract

The study aims to develop, validate and evaluate a Guided Imagery and Relaxation (GIR) audio in Bahasa Malaysia, serving as one of the coping tools for children with cancer. Based on extensive review, GIR script was developed by a clinical psychologist. Panels of experts including pediatric oncologists and psychiatrists conducted initial assessment at multiple stages of hearing sessions. The final version of the audio was pre-recorded in MP3 player for evaluation. Face and content validation of 3 × approximately 5 minutes duration of GIR audio series were obtained via experts' reports. Twenty-three participants (5 adults, 18 children with cancer) listened to the audio and completed evaluation form. All adult evaluators gave positive remarks on the script, narration and recording quality. As for the children, 100% completed audio-hearing and majority (66.7% -88.9%) were able to imagine well without falling asleep and in some way were positively affected by the imagery-induced relaxation audio. Majority was not disturbed during the hearing sessions (66.7%), will hear it again (83.3%) and found it enjoyable (88.8%). This is the first known study developing GIR audio in Bahasa Malaysia which is feasible, enjoyable and beneficial for children that warrants efficacy study.

The Effect of Online-Delivered Guided Imagery Relaxation on Stress and Well-Being of Primary School Children

“…The GIR technique is an audio-recorded relaxation script developed by one of the authors to induce relaxation in children ( 31 , 33 ). It involves five relaxing stages: i) induction, ii) deepening, iii) coping strategies, iv) positive suggestions and v) closure.…”

“…A pilot study utilising this technique has validated the tool and proven that the audio is audible, feasible, comprehensible and relaxation-inducing for Malaysian children. The practice of listening to a series of relaxation audios was reported to reduce children’s emotional distress and anxiety ( 31 ).…”

“…Among the various mindfulness-based interventions, the guided imagery relaxation (GIR) technique has attracted significant academic attention in recent years ( 26 – 28 ). A few studies have revealed promising results of the GIR technique among Malaysian children, especially in clinical settings ( 29 – 31 ). An academic investigation of the effects of the GIR technique on the psychological well-being of Malaysian children from mainstream primary school settings, especially when the course is delivered fully online, may add a new perspective to this technique in the COVID-19 era.…”

Development and validation of audio-based guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation tools for functional bloating

“…For content validity, experts from related fields were invited to rate the audios based on four domains (script content, narrations, experience, and clarity of instructions) using a 4-point Likert scale questionnaire. The rating questionnaire was adapted based on relevant literature [ 45 – 47 ]. For face validity, a structured interview session was conducted with healthy volunteers (mean age = 35.57 ± 14.28, 8 men, 24 women).…”

Development and Validation of Audio-based Guided Imagery and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Tools for Functional Bloating

“…For content-validity, experts from related fields were invited to rate the audios based on four domains (script content, narrations, experience, and clarity of instructions) using a 4-point Likert scale questionnaire. The rating questionnaire was adapted based on relevant literatures [30][31][32]. For face-validity, a structured interview session was conducted with healthy volunteers (mean age = 35.57 ± 14.28, 8 men, 24 women).…”