The influence of selected music and structured vs. unstructured inductions on mental imagery.

Abstract: The influence of two contrasting selections of classical music and of structured and unstructured inductions on the mental imagery of undergraduate students was examined. Subjects--135 male and 182 female students enrolled in six sections of an introductory music course at a large Southeastern university--engaged in a modified group Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) experience. Each class was randomly assigned to one of six experimental or control conditions involving a brief progressive relaxation procedure, instructions for imagery, a structured or unstructured induction, and music (Baroque or impressionist) or silence. Before participating in the experiment, subjects completed the Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery (short form), Gordon's Text of Visual Imagery Control, the Tellegen Absorption Scale, and Profile of Mood States. After the experiment, subjects completed the Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and a questionnaire. A 2 x 3 factorial design was used to examine any interaction between music and induction, as well as any main effects. There were significant differences in vividness of imagery, absorption, and vigor/activity during the imagery, due to a music main effect. There were no significant differences in control of imagery, tension/anxiety, or depression/dejection. There was also no significant interaction between music and induction for any of the experimental conditions. (author)

Keyword(s): psychology > > affective response > > relation to structured vs. unstructured inductions; gordon, edwin e. > > theoretical works > > testing

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