Relaxation and guided imagery: A school‐based intervention for children with asthma

Abstract

Asthma, a disease of the respiratory system, is the most common chronic medical condition among children. School-aged children with asthma evidence increased absenteeism, decreased school performance, restriction of various activities, poor peer relationships, and emotional and behavioral difficulties. Asthma can be triggered and exacerbated by emotions and stress, and therefore, it has been treated with psychological interventions. Relaxation and guided imagery (RGI), an intervention based on the theoretical position that the mind and body interact in determining health, has been shown to be effective in improving mental and physical health outcomes with a myriad of medical conditions, yet it has not been adequately studied with childhood asthma. This investigation analyzed the effect of RGI on lung function [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) and forced expiratory flow 25-75 (FEF 25-75 )] and anxiety by employing a multiple baseline design across four middle school students with asthma. With the introduction of the intervention, it was found that FEV 1 improved and anxiety decreased in all students. FEF 25-75 improved in three of the four participants. The effect sizes for the four participants ranged from Ϫ0.98 to Ϫ1.88 for FEV 1 , 0.20 to Ϫ1.93 for FEF , and 2.19 to 4.06 for anxiety.

Relaxation and guided imagery as an intervention for children with asthma: A replication

“…The findings are consistent with those of Peck et al (2003), who studied the effects of relaxation and guided imagery in a middle school population. The present study indicated that not only is relaxation and guided imagery a valuable treatment for improving the lung functioning of much younger children, but that these children are able to comprehend and enjoy the treatment as much as adolescents do.…”

“…This study reported an increase in FEV 1 (large airway functioning) levels following baseline for all the participants, indicating that RGI is a positive adjunct to the pharmacological treatment of asthma. The current study was intended to serve as a replication and extension of Peck et al (2003). Relaxation and guided imagery with children with asthma has not been studied thus far in the elementary school grades.…”

“…Relaxation and guided imagery is an intervention based upon the theoretical position that the mind and body interact in determining physical well being. Peck, Bray, and Kehle (2003) used a relaxation and guided imagery package in a singlesubject design with four adolescents diagnosed with asthma. This study reported an increase in FEV 1 (large airway functioning) levels following baseline for all the participants, indicating that RGI is a positive adjunct to the pharmacological treatment of asthma.…”

Children with asthma: Assessment and treatment in school settings

“…Studies with adult asthma patients have also demonstrated improved lung function and reduced anxiety, as well as decreased symptom severity and increased self-efficacy (Freeman, 1998). Peck, Bray, and Kehle's (2003) RGI treatment aided in establishing a sense of control over lung function in middle school children. The treatment involved engaging in relaxation exercises while imagining the internal healing of one's lungs.…”

“…5. School-based interventions have resulted in improved lung functioning in students with asthma (Bray et al, , 2006Peck et al, 2003 …”