Effects of Imagery on Stress, Anxiety, and Immune Cells in Patients with Acute Leukemia Receiving Chemotherapy

심상요법이 항암화학요법을 받는 급성 백혈병 환자의 스트레스, 불안 및 면역세포에 미치는 효과

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.