Adi, Nurul Shafira
(2018)
The effects of guided imagery and relaxation technique on psychological functioning of children with cancer : a randomized controlled trial.
Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
Relaxation technique is one of helpful tools for children coping with stress. It
promotes long-term health by slowing down the body and quieting the mind. Guided
Imagery Relaxation (GIR) technique has been developed and piloted to help children with
cancer in Malaysia. This study measures the effectiveness of GIR technique in reducing
children’s negative emotions and in improving their psychological functioning when they
are receiving treatment for cancer. In particular, the study measures differences in scores
of The Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL) and PedsQL(VAS) scale as
reported by parent and children before and after their children receiving GIR. Sixty
(N=60) children with cancer participated in this study. Children who are diagnosed with
cancer and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited from paediatric oncology ward 6
Utara, (HUSM). Using parent-proxy and children report, the VAS and PedsQL were
administered before the intervention of GIR. The children were given an individual MP3
player and they were guided on how to use the player and listen to the scripts, so that they
will experience relaxation. The intervention involved of hearing the audio for three times
a week, in three subsequent weeks (i.e. 3 times a week for 3 weeks). At the end of third
week, post-intervention assessments were administered. Mixed ANOVA design were
conducted to examine the differences in scores of VAS and PedsQL between intervention
and control group before and after the intervention as reported by parents and children.
There are significant decrease in domains of children’s Total symptom score, Anxiety,and Sadness, in VAS parent-reported from pre-intervention (M=31.3, (SD=21.9);
M=26.3, (SD=25.9); and M=27.3, (SD=22.2) to post-intervention (M=10.5, (SD=7.9);
M=8.57, (SD= 7.55); and M= 10.0, (SD=8.60) ( p < 0.001). There is no statistical
significant difference in scores of PedsQ as well as child-reported VAS scale (p > 0.05)
However, in all domains of PedsQL in intervention group, the scores increased which
means parents reported better quality of life and psychological functioning in their
children after receiving GIR intervention. In conclusion, GIR technique is an effective
tool that helps to reduce negative emotions especially anxiety and sadness in children with
cancer. This GIR tool has potential in helping children to manage their stress.
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