Effects of guided imagery on selected variables related to vocational rehabilitation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of guided imagery with a vocational rehabilitation population. A volunteer sample (N = 48) was secured from all active rehabilitation clients (N = 214) of the Bryan and Texas A & M University offices of Texas Rehabilitation Commission. After applying the Chi-Square Goodness of Fit test to determine representativeness of the sample, subjects were assigned to one of three groups, experimental, relaxation or control. Each subject completed pre- and posttests which included the Career Maturity Inventory, Counseling Form B-1, Attitude Scale, the Rotter I-E Locus of Control Scale, and the Rehabilitation Gain Scale. Subjects in the experimental treatment and relaxation groups received five administrations of an audiotape designed to facilitate either guided imagery or relaxation. Dependent variables were attitudes toward work, locus of control, self-satisfaction, and activity level. The analysis of covariance was used to assess significance of differences between the groups. Results indicated no significant differences between the groups on any of the dependent variables. There was a trend toward significance in posttest level of self-satisfaction. A post hoc test of the means indicated the only difference approaching significance was between the relaxation and control groups. Guided imagery subjects displayed a trend toward significance in orientation toward work, measured by a subscale of the CMI, and securing employment during the period of the study. Recommendations for future research were based on the results and the limitations of the present study.