Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Kinesiology and Physical Education

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Kim Dawson

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

Healing imagery can be defined as both visualizing affirmative images ofinternal physiological healing occurring in an injured area and visualizing oneselfas healthy and fully functioning (Driediger, Hall, & Callow, 2006). Healing imagery has been found to effectively reduce the time of recovery from various athletic injuries when used in combination with other mental skills, such as self-talk and relaxation (Ievleva & Orlick, 1991). However, the literature remains void of a study that specifically examines healing imagery and the potential benefits that may accompany the regular application ofhealing imagery techniques alone. This study examined the effects ofan imagery intervention on the recovery ofathletes experiencing an athletic injury in comparison to a control group who did not receive the imagery manipulation. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness ofa healing imagery intervention through comparing the two groups on: satisfaction with rehabilitation, self-efficacy to recover, and recovery time. The sample consisted of 13 injured varsity athletes (intervention group, n=6; control group, n=7) utilizing the athletic therapy services at Wilfrid Laurier University. A significant interaction effect was found for satisfaction with rehabilitation, as athletes’ in the intervention group increased in satisfaction from week 2 to 3 while the control group decreased in satisfaction during the same time period. The intervention group also used significantly more cognitive imagery than the control group. Both groups were found to be significantly higher in task self-efficacy than coping self-efficacy during injury rehabilitation. A follow-up qualitative analysis ofthe intervention group revealed that the healing imagery intervention positively affected athletes’ in a unique, individualized manner. Results are discussed with respect to a gained understanding of imagery effects, study limitations, and future directions.

Convocation Year

2010

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Kinesiology Commons

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