Effects of guided imagery and music (GIM) therapy on mood and cortisol in healthy adults.

Author(s): Antoni, MH, Kumar, M, Tims, FC, McCabe, PM

Journal/Book: Health Psychol. 1997; 16: 390-400.

Abstract: Healthy adults (N = 28) participated in a randomized trial of Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM; a depth approach to music psychotherapy) sessions on mood and cortisol. Participants in both GIM and wait-list control conditions completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and donated 15 cc of blood before and after the 13-week intervention period and again at a 6-week follow-up. Split-plot factorial and post hoc analyses demonstrated that after 6 biweekly sessions GIM participants reported significant decreases between pre- and postsession depression, fatigue, and total mood disturbance and had significant decreases in cortisol level by follow-up. Pretest to follow-up decrease in cortisol was significantly associated with decrease in mood disturbance. A short series of GIM sessions may positively affect mood and reduce cortisol levels in healthy adults. Such changes in hormonal regulation may have health implications for chronically stressed people.

Note: Department of Music Education/Music Therapy, University of Miami, USA. mckinnych@appstate.edu

Keyword(s): Clinical trial. Randomized controlled trial

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