BRIDGE ET AL (1988)- AIMS, MAIN CONTEXT, THEORIES

Question 1

What was the aim of bridge et al (1988)?

Answer 1

To test whether visualisation and relaxation techniques could help reduce stress in women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Question 2

What was the hypothesis of the study?

Answer 2

1) Both techniques (relaxation and imagery) would reduce stress compared to no treatment.
2) Thoes who underwent relaxation and imagery would have more of a positive effect/ reduction in stress than those who only had relaxation.

Question 3

Main Context- Why is there a need for stress managment treatments for cancer patients?

Answer 3

• Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a major causes of stress due to: the required treatments, uncertainty about the future, fear and anxiety around the symptoms, but in general the feeling that they may lose ‘their health, their role, their life (Maguire 1981) .
• So, alleviating this stress would be highly beneficial, as it can improve patients’ outlook and provide emotional support.

Question 4

Cancer patients generally feel they may lose ‘‘their health, their role, their life’ (concluded by which researcher)?

Answer 4

Maguire 1981

Question 5

Main theories and explanations- which techniques have been established as able to reduce stress generally?

Answer 5

1. MUSCLE RELAXATION: require the individual to focus on their senses on paticular muscle groups. Research (McLean 1986) suggests that relaxation techniques alleviate stress by emphasizing muscle relaxation and deep breathing, which induce a calmer state and reduce tension.
2. VISUALISATION: refer to the use of detailed imagery of a restful, safe space to evoke a sense of calm and relaxation. It requires detailed visualisation, sensory focus, muscle relxation and breathing technqiues. Research (Simonton 1975) suggests visualisation can be successful in managing stress in those with a range of illnesses, such as hypertension and cancer.