Research Article
Issue Date: September/October 2016
Published Online: July 28, 2016
Updated: April 30, 2020
Guided Imagery and Stress in Pregnant Adolescents
Theresa A. Flynn; Brittney A. Jones; Karla K. Ausderau
Author Affiliations
  • Theresa A. Flynn, MS, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, UnityPoint Health Meriter Hospital, Madison, WI. At the time of the study, she was Student, Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison; terri.a.flynn@gmail.com
  • Brittney A. Jones, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, IL; at the time of the study, she was Occupational Therapy Master’s Student, Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Karla K. Ausderau, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, and Investigator at the Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Article Information
Complementary/Alternative Approaches / Children and Youth
Research Article   |   July 28, 2016
Guided Imagery and Stress in Pregnant Adolescents
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July 2016, Vol. 70, 7005220020. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.019315
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July 2016, Vol. 70, 7005220020. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.019315
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We examined the effects of a guided imagery intervention on perceived stress in pregnant adolescents.

METHOD. Thirty-five pregnant adolescents recruited from a local alternative education program participated in a guided imagery intervention. Participants listened to a pregnancy-specific guided imagery recording on four separate occasions during their pregnancies. Perceived stress was measured immediately before and after each session using the Perceived Stress Measure–9 (PSM–9).

RESULTS. Participants’ pre- and postsession PSM–9 scores for three of the four sessions demonstrated a significant reduction in stress. Participants’ baseline stress levels also decreased significantly across the four listening sessions. The greatest reductions in stress within and between sessions occurred in the early sessions, with effects diminishing over time.

CONCLUSION. Pregnant teens experienced initial short- and long-term stress reduction during a guided imagery intervention, supporting the use of guided imagery to reduce stress in pregnant adolescents.