Using relaxation with guided imagery to assist primiparas in achieving maternal role attainment

[Relaxation: a strategy in the context of nursing care]

This work has evaluated the application of relaxation as a strategy of nursing care; it has also sought for a theoretical framework that could base this technique application to assist the needs of a client facing his illness status, as well as a resource to be used by nurses in dealing with stressing situations, regarding to their professional praxis. We have worked upon conceptual aspects, the etymology, the aims, relaxation application and its implication in nursing care. We have concluded that relaxation technique is an ability that needs to be learned and pratice in order to improve well-being. It is a therapeutic modality, not pharmacologic, can be associated to traditional therapeutics and is of preventive value. It increases the options of efficient therapy for nurses. It is a coping technique in relation to stress. For inserting it into nursing praxis it is demanding that the nurse perceive the client and himself as a whole for both are benefitted by this strategy use.

Effect of relaxation with guided imagery on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in primiparas

A pretest-posttest experimental design with a convenience sample of 60 subjects was used to examine the effects of a relaxation with guided imagery protocol on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in primiparas during the first 4 weeks of the postpartum period. The results showed that the experimental group had less anxiety and depression and greater self-esteem than did the control group at the end of the period. Positive correlations were obtained between anxiety and depression; negative correlations between self-esteem and anxiety and depression. All findings were significant at the .05 level.

An exploratory study of the effectiveness of a relaxation with guided imagery protocol

An exploratory study was done to examine the effectiveness of a relaxation with guided imagery protocol in reducing anxiety and depression and increasing self-esteem in new mothers during the first 4 weeks postpartum. The results indicate that anxiety and depression declined and self-esteem increased in subjects in both the experimental and control groups over the 4-week period. However, the decline in anxiety and the increase in self-esteem was greater in the experimental group than in the control group. The decline in depression was about the same in both groups. Further study, using more precise methodology and instrumentation, needs to be done to verify the results.