PURPOSE The present study is a quasi?experimental research for examining the effects of imagery on stress, anxiety and immune cells in acute leukemia patients receiving chemotherapy and utilizing the therapy for their self control and stress management. METHODS The subjects were 60 patients who were diagnosed with acute leukemia and scheduled to receive chemotherapy at A hospital in Seoul during the period from November 2006 to March 2007. After the start of chemotherapy, the experimental group received imagery for 4 weeks, three sessions a week, so a total of 12 sessions and 156 minutes. RESULTS The decrease of stress was larger in the experimental group than in the control group. Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly more in the experimental group than in the control group. In the experimental group, state anxiety decreased significantly in the 2nd week of the experiment and after the final stage of the experiment. The total number of white blood cells, and the absolute number of neutrophils and lymphocytes were showing significant differences between the time points. CONCLUSION Imagery is an effective intervention for reducing stress and state anxiety and stabilizing blood pressure in acute leukemia patients receiving chemotherapy.
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of dynamic imagery therapy on "anger-in" and immune function in patients with breast cancer. METHOD: Dynamic imagery therapy was given for 10 sessions with 2 times informative education. Data collection was from June, 24th to August, 12th 2002. The participants were experimental group 15, control group 15. This study was designed using a quasi-experimental approach with non-equivalent Pre test-Post test Design. The instruments used in this study include the anger scale developed by Spielberger(1972) and modified by Chon, Kyum Koo (1996), The data was analysed with chi(2)-test, t-test, ANOVA and ANCOVA. RESULT: 1) That the level of "Anger-in" in patients will be significantly lower than that of the control group was supported (p<.001). 2) That the level of T3 lymphocyte and NK Cells, IgG. Cortisol in patients will be significantly lower than that of the control group was supported (T3, IgG: p<.05, Cortisol p<.001). CONCLUSION: The dynamic imagery therapy is suggested as an effective nursing intervention to reduce anger level and increase immune function for patients with breast cancer.