| This study was designed to test the efficacy of Guided Imagery Training and specifically Progressive Relaxation/Guided Imagery Training as a treatment for alcoholics. The study is a quasi-experimental research study using a randomized control group pretest-posttest factorial design. A 2 x 4 factorial design of two classifications of alcoholics and four treatment groups was used. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III, alcoholics were classified either First Stage or Continuous/Episodic alcoholics. The four treatment groups were control, Progressive/Relaxation Training, Guided Imagery Training, and Progressive Relaxation/Guided Imagery Training. Pretests and posttests were administered to 120 outpatient clients in three treatment centers in Florida. Criterion measures were the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, Speilberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a Drinking Questionnaire, developed by the investigator. Treatment period was five one hour sessions. Control Group was actually five sessions based on the Reality Therapy approach. The three experimental groups were divided evenly, one half session Reality Therapy, one-half experimental session. Guided Imagery Training emphasized subject participation. Subject selected situations he wanted to cope with more effectively; situations were the focus of imagery session; subject verbalized as he visualized the situation; and subject reinforced visualized coping behavior by describing positive emotions regarding coping behavior. Emphasis was on coping. Treatments produced no change in self-esteem or actual drinking behavior. Progressive Relaxation/Guided Imagery Training significantly reduced state and trait anxiety more than Control Group and Progressive Relaxation Training. Guided Imagery Training significantly reduced state and trait anxiety more than the Control Group. Guided Imagery was determined to be a significant part of Progressive Relaxation/Guided Imagery Training. A comparison was made of Guided Imagery Training, in this study, to that in past research. Recommendations were made that treatment be extended to have impact on self-esteem and drinking behavior. |
