title: Guided visualization interventions on perceived stress, dyadic satisfaction and psychological symptoms in highly stressed couples.
abstract: This study focused on the effect of a brief CBT-based relaxation/guided visualization intervention on perceived stress, dyadic satisfaction and psychological symptoms. This study also tested the hypothesis that indicators of global orientation including Sense of Coherence and Differentiation of Self would mediate between perceived stress and symptoms of physical, psychological and relational distress. A three session intervention used guided visualization scripts which incorporated relaxation and controlled breathing techniques as well as a CBT approach that focused on stress management and internal locus of control. Results indicated that after the intervention, participants showed lower levels of perceived stress and lower levels of dyadic distress, as well as lower psychological and physical complaints as reported with the Symptom Checklist-90-R. Both Sense of Coherence and Differentiation of Self were mediators for the effect of perceived stress on the number of endorsed symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 89154-3064, USA. rogers.kim@epa.gov
authors.forename: Kim R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hertlein
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: Chad L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Cross
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D060685:Sense of Coherence; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult