Purpose: This study investigated the effects of guided imagery, a mind-body intervention,  on perceived stress, anxiety, and depression in pregnant African American (AA) women.

Significance: Preterm birth (PTB) is an acute problem. A connection exists between psychological distress and adverse birth outcomes such as PTB.  Based on the mind-body connection between stress and PTB, a mind-body intervention, such as R-GI, may be effective in reducing the psychological distress variables of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Methods: This longitudinal study used a controlled randomized two-group [R-GI and usual care (UC)] experimental design. The intervention was 3 R-GI CDs designed to enhance study outcomes. Study measures collected at baseline and weeks 8 and 12 included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D). All participants completed a daily Numeric-Rating-Scale-of-Stress (NRSS), and the R-GI group completed a daily Practice Log that provided information on perceived benefits.

Findings:  STAI scores decreased significantly over time (baseline, 8, 12 weeks) for the R-GI group but not for the UC group (F = 7.28, p<.05).  The change in daily stress scores (NRSS) from pre-to-post use of R-GI decreased significantly (p<.05), indicating an immediate effect of the intervention.  PSS scores, a more general measure of stress, was not significant over time. Although not significant, the CES-D scores trended down between groups over time. The entire R-GI group reported perceived benefits on the Practice Log.

Discussion: Findings support the effectiveness of the R-GI intervention in reducing anxiety and daily stress levels in pregnant AA women. Perceived benefits suggest the acceptance of this mind-body intervention.

Acknowledgement: This study is made possible by NINR NRSA-1-F31-NR008977, and NCCAM K-30-AT00062.  Contents are the authors’ responsibility and do not necessarily represent the views of  NINR, NCCAM, or NIH.