Guided imagery, music and well-being: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Background: Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a type of psychodynamic therapy using music to explore the psyche of the client for growth and transformation. It has been used in multiple contexts. It could thus be seen as an intervention within the Positive Psychology framework, which could contribute to the standard package of interventions in contexts where it has not been explored before. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to review the literature to ascertain whether GIM has an influence on the well-being of the client. Method: Peer-reviewed and unpublished dissertations were reviewed with the purpose of finding evidence that well-being can be influenced positively through GIM interventions. Studies were assessed for risk of bias. Results: 327 studies between 2000 and 2017 were retrieved from various data-bases. Duplications were removed, and eleven titles met the criteria for this review. These eleven studies included between four and ten GIM sessions representing 249 adult participants across a spectrum of settings. Well-being, quality of life and sense of coherence were measured in many of these studies, with mixed results found, ranging from medium to large effect sizes. The POMS (Profile of Mood States) and PANAS (Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule) are some of the questionnaires that were used as well. Three research studies focused on addiction treatment. Most interventions were in group settings. Conclusion: Although further research is needed, evidence is promising that GIM interventions have a positive effect on the well-being of clients who seek help for various conditions. This is a clear indication that there is a relationship between GIM and Positive Psychology. The outcomes of these studies indicate that further research and application in various contexts, particularly in South Africa, is underexplored and very possible.