The Effectiveness of Guided Imagery on PCL-5 Scores in Adult Women with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Purpose

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects a significant portion of the population, with about 13 million Americans diagnosed in 2020. Women are twice as likely to have PTSD than men. PTSD will affect 8%, or 8 out of every 100 women, at some stage in their lives. This study will check the effects of guided imagery mindfulness on PCL-5 scores in adult women with PTSD. Participants in this study will complete a PCL-5 pre-test and post-test to check PTSD symptoms before and after 6-weeks of mindfulness sessions. Each participant will engage in 15-minute sessions of guided imagery mindfulness once a week for 6 weeks. Before and after PCL-5 scores will show the effect of guided imagery mindfulness on PTSD symptom severity.

Condition

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 18 Years and 99 Years
Eligible Genders
Female
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Females - PTSD diagnosis (ICD 10: F43.1) - 18 to 99 years old - Not pregnant - No suicidal ideations - No homicidal ideations - No audio-visual hallucinations - A mobile device, smart phone, laptop - Resident at the Residential Treatment Facility

Exclusion Criteria

  • Males - Under 18 years old - Above 99 years old - Pregnant women - Active suicidal ideation - Active homicidal ideation - Do not have mobile device - Active audio-visual hallucinations

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Primary Purpose
Supportive Care
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Guided Imagery Mindfulness
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), such as guided imagery, emerge as promising alternatives for managing PTSD. Mindfulness necessitates participant training to maintain present awareness amidst wandering thoughts, fostering an attitude of non-judgmental acceptance towards thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness encourages, being present in the moment and supports emotional control.
  • Behavioral: Guided Imagery
    Guided imagery is a mindfulness based therapeutic technique that involves utilizing positive imagery allowing one to cultivate awareness of their mental state and shift their attention from ruminative thought patterns to the present moment. Evidence-based research shows that benefits of Guided imagery include relaxation, stress reduction, anxiety reduction, immune system enhancement, and overall well-being.
    Other names:
    • Guided Meditation
    • Visualization
    • Imagery
    • Mental Imagery
    • Mental Rehearsal

Recruiting Locations

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Nova Southeastern University

Study Contact

Kellie-Ann J Kerr, BSN, RN
954-218-2413
kk1410@mynsu.nova.edu

Detailed Description

Background: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects a significant portion of the population, with approximately 13 million Americans diagnosed in 2020. Women are twice as likely to have PTSD than men. PTSD will affect 8%, or 8 out of every 100 women, at some stage in their lives. Purpose: This project aims to investigate the effectiveness of guided imagery, a mindfulness technique, on PCL-5 scores in adult women with PTSD. Theoretical Framework: The Cognitive model of PTSD was developed to explain why some people do not recover after trauma and to identify maintaining factors that can be modified in treatment. This model suggests negative appraisals, disjointed trauma memories, and unhelpful coping strategies maintain PTSD. Methods: Participants in this qualitative study will complete pre- and post-intervention PCL--5 questionnaires, a validated 20-item structured interview designed to assess PTSD symptoms. They will also engage in 15-minute sessions of guided imagery mindfulness interventions. Post-intervention, participants will complete a second PCL-5 questionnaire to evaluate any changes in symptom severity. Results: Analysis of PCL-5 scores will provide insight into the effect of guided imagery mindfulness interventions on PTSD symptom severity. Conclusions: Mindfulness has the potential to serve as a viable alternative or supplemental intervention for women diagnosed with PTSD. Through exploring the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in managing PTSD symptoms, this study seeks to aid in the advancement of more effective treatment options.