Effects of Autogenic Training, Biofeedback, and Guided Imagery on Anxiety and Locus-of-Control in a Female Prison Population.

Alternative Therapies

May 2021

Full Citation

THOMSON, D. (1987). Effects of Autogenic Training, Biofeedback, and Guided Imagery on Anxiety and Locus-of-Control in a Female Prison Population. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Abstract

This study investigated relationships of locus of control and anxiety, with autogenic training, biofeedback, and guided imagery in a female prison population. It was hypothesized that training in these treatment modalities would increase internal locus of control and decrease state anxiety. Also hypothesized was the need for psychotropic medication would decrease, as would Institutional incident reports. The sample consisted of 86 female inmates from the Federal Correctional Institution in Pleasanton, California. The treatment program was conducted twice. In each running four groups formed: autogenic training, biofeedback, guided imagery, and control. Treatment subjects received eight weekly 60-minute sessions with the treatment modality of their group. All groups were administered Levenson's "IPC Scale" (1981) for locus of control scores, Spielberger's "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory" (1968), and a self-report questionnaire. Instruments were administered as a pretest, a posttest, and a second posttest eight weeks later. Treatment modalities were found to have an effect on locus of control and anxiety level of subjects. Also effected was the perceived health of each individual. It appears that biofeedback, followed by guided imagery, is the more effective treatment. Autogenic training appears to have had little effect in this study. Biofeedback groups had a reduction of both state and trait anxiety. Increase in "Internal" locus of control and decrease in "Powerful Others" during treatment was seen. "Chance" scores increased after treatment. Physical health symptoms decreased. The degree treatment helped these symptoms was significant. Guided imagery groups had a reduction in state and trait anxiety. "Powerful Others" orientation decreased during treatment. The degree of stress and stress related problems decreased with treatment. Increased internal locus of control was found to a significant degree in only the biofeedback group during treatment. Inconclusive results were found with incident reports and administration of psychotropic medication as insignificant numbers of the sampling received either. This study found that biofeedback and guided imagery as treatment methods have positive effects on female inmates. Continuing treatments alone could benefit the population. Effects of combining treatments may be even more pronounced. Research in combining treatment modalities is