Imagery: A Treatment for Nursing Student Anxiety

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of audiotaped imagery in reducing anxiety and improving test performance among first-year nursing students. Volunteer subjects were randomly assigned to three groups, imagery-only, imagery/relaxation, and a no-treatment control group. Pottest state anxiety scores in these groups were significantly lower (p = .001) than in the no-treatment control group. Test performance did not differ significantly (p = .067). Subjects using the audiotaped imagery reported an increased sense of well-being, improved ability to sleep, greater energy, and improved self-confidence.