An exploratory study of the effectiveness of a relaxation with guided imagery protocol.

An exploratory study was done to examine the effectiveness of a relaxation with guided imagery protocol in reducing anxiety and depression and increasing self-esteem in new mothers during the first 4 weeks postpartum. The results indicate that anxiety and depression declined and self-esteem increased in subjects in both the experimental and control groups over the 4-week period. However, the decline in anxiety and the increase in self-esteem was greater in the experimental group than in the control group. The decline in depression was about the same in both groups. Further study, using more precise methodology and instrumentation, needs to be done to verify the results.