The Effects of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) on Adults in Chemical Dependency Treatment: Sense of Coherence, Salivary Immunoglobulin A and Interpersonal Problems

Abstract

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service’s Administration’s 2003 National Survey on substance abuse estimated that 19.5 million Americans were illicit drug users and 113 million Americans are alcohol users. Of these 113 million, 33 million engaged in binge drinking and 12.4 million were considered heavy drinkers. Individuals in chemical dependency treatment have a variety of psychological problems, physical health issues, demonstrate poor coping skills, and strained interpersonal relationships. Little research addresses these issues simultaneously, despite how these might all be influenced in the recovery process. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) on salivary Immunoglobulin A, interpersonal problems, and sense of coherence in adults undergoing inpatient chemical dependency treatment. A two-group pretest, posttest quasi-experimental design study based on psychological and physiological responses to GIM sessions with 19 subjects undergoing inpatient chemical dependency treatment in the urban Midwest. Subjects (15 male, 4 female) with a mean age of 57.8 (SD 7.1) undergoing treatment due to declining physical health, family concerns, physician recommendations or court order enrolled in the study. Subjects were randomized to a weekly experimental GIM condition or to a control, no treatment condition. Interpersonal problems, sense of coherence and sIgA were measured at baseline and prior to discharge. ANCOVA detected significant differences between groups on three subscales of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Short Form (IIP-SC): domineering (F(1,16) = v 5.2; p<.05), socially avoidant (F (1,16) = 4.1; p<.05), non-assertive (F(1,16) = 4.6; p<>05). Mean posttest scores: domineering 3.0(1.2) (experimental) and 4.9(2.6) control, socially avoidant 4.2(3.7) (experimental) and 6.4(3.0) control, non-assertive 6.4(3.8) (experimental) and 9.3(4.0) (control). ANCOVA was significant for manageability subscale of the Sense of Coherence Scale: (F (1,16) = 7.8; p<.05). Mean posttest scores 49.3(7.5) (experimental) and 41.8(5.4) (control). There were no significant differences between groups in sIgA. GIM sessions were found to decreased aspects of interpersonal problems and increase manageability. Promising results from this study warrant further exploration of GIM as a therapeutic intervention to address the complex issues, in an effort to contribute knowledge to the discipline of music therapy.