The effects of guided imagery on anxiety levels and movement of clients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging

This randomized, experimental study examined the effects of guided imagery on anxiety levels and on movement of clients undergoing nonemergency magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Subjects who listened to a guided imagery/relaxation tape (n=20) before their MRI scan and used guided imagery during their scan had lower levels of state anxiety than the control group (n=21). Based on subject report and operator report, the experimental group moved less frequently during the MRI than the control group. The results of this investigation support the use of guided imagery as a therapeutic intervention and Rogersʼ Science of Unitary Human Beings.