title: The lived experience of a mind-body intervention for people living with HIV.
abstract: Stress and anxiety are significant problems for individuals living with HIV. Mind-body therapies such as progressive muscle relaxation training and guided imagery (PMRT-GI) are effective in treating stress and anxiety in chronically ill persons. The purpose of this study was to identify key elements of an effective and culturally acceptable PMRT-GI intervention for economically disadvantaged persons with HIV. PMRT-GI was provided to 24 participants from African American, White, and Hispanic backgrounds. Using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, participants were interviewed about their experiences with PMRT-GI. Responses were tape-recorded, read, and reread; significant phrases and sentences were identified; meanings were formulated; and results were validated with participants. Five themes emerged: another world, feeling content, ease in muscle tension, one-on-one, and soft music. Background information and past experience with complementary and alternative methods were obtained.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department at Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.forename: Elizabeth H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011603:Psychophysiology