This study was a quasi-experimental research study to test the characteristics of temperature regulation according to sponge bath methods of cold application. Thirteen volunteers were selected from among nursing college students according to an established criteria using a purposive sampling technique. Four different cold application methods were used: (1) tepid water sponge bath at 28 degrees C, (2) 20% alcohol sponge bath at 28 degrees C, (3) 40% alcohol sponge bath at 28 degrees C and (4) tepid water sponge bath at 28 degrees C plus an ice bag to the head. Changes in rectal temperature, mean skin temperature, mean body temperature, heat content change and thermal discomfort during the cold application were measured at 5 minute intervals over a 120 minute period. The data collection period was from Dec. 20, 1988 to Feb. 3, 1989. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple regression, ANOVA, Duncan's multiple range test and Pearson correlation coefficient using the SPSS-X Program. The results of the study are summarized as follows. Five general hypothesis were tested. Hypothesis 1 that "Change in heat content will be decreased for each cold application method according to the cold application time" was rejected. (tepid water sponge bath: after 10 minutes of cold application, 20% alcohol sponge bath: after 25 minutes of cold application: 40% alcohol sponge bath: after 45 minutes of cold application, tepid water sponge bath plus an ice bag to the head: after 80 minutes of cold application). Hypothesis 2 that "Thermal discomfort will be changed for each cold application method according to the cold application time" was rejected after 5 minutes of cold application. Hypothesis 3 that "Change in heat content will differ among the cold application methods" was accepted except 0-5, 0-10, 0-65, 0-105 and 0-120 minute. This difference showed significance only between sponge bath methods and tepid water sponge bath plus an ice bag to the head. Hypothesis 4 that "Thermal discomfort will differ among the cold application methods" was accepted at 15, 20, 35, 45, 75, 80, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115 and 120 minute of cold application time. This difference showed significance only between sponge bath methods and tepid water sponge bath plus an ice bag to the head. Hypothesis 5 that "The higher the change in heat content, the higher the thermal discomfort during the cold application time" was accepted for between 10-60 and 75 minute of cold application.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)