The Influence of Selected Music and Inductions on Mental Imagery: Implications for Practitioners
Band, Jennie P., Quilter, Shawn M., & Miller, Gary M. - Volume: 8
This study examined the influence of two contrasting selections of classical music and structured and unstructured inductions on the mental imagery of students during a group Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) experience (Bonny, 2002). Participants were 317 undergraduate students enrolled in six sections of a music appreciation class at a large university in the southeastern United States. Each class was randomly assigned to one of six experimental or control conditions, which involved a brief progressive relaxation procedure, instructions for imagery, a structured or unstructured induction, and music or silence. At the end of each treatment intervention the participants used Visual Analogue Scales and an Imagery Content Questionnaire to describe their imagery experience in terms of vividness, control, absorption, tension/anxiety, vigor/activity, and depression/dejection. A 2x3 factorial design was utilized to examine any interaction between music and induction, as well as any main effects. The analysis of the data indicated significant differences in vividness of imagery, absorption, and vigor/activity during the imagery due to a music main effect. The music also significantly increased visual details, bright colors, sensations of movement, emotions, and experiences of past times. The results of this study support the effectiveness of using music to enhance several aspects of mental imagery.