The efficacy of guided imagery in pain management

Pain has been rated as the second greatest fear of humankind, second only to the fear of death (Zborowski, 1969). Pain is a complex matter that requires psychological intervention in addition to pharmacological therapy. One treatment modality for the psychological component of pain is guided imagery, a technique of mental visualization adapted from ancient methods for modern usage. The problem addressed in this study is the underutilization of guided imagery. The purpose of this study was to identify the benefits of using guided imagery for acute and chronic pain which have been demonstrated through research. Research studies on the efficacy of guided imagery in pain management, primarily from 1990-2002, were reviewed and synthesized, Studies demonstrate efficacy of guided imagery in relation to the outcome measures of: pain ratings; anxiety, distress, and depressive behaviors; perioperative variables; length of hospital stay; immunology; symptoms and functional status. The increased, appropriate use of guided imagery can relieve both acute and chronic pain while reducing the adverse effects of medication and overall costs of health care. Recommendations for further research are offered