Evaluation of guided visualizations and the relationships among perceived stress, differentiation of self, sense of coherence, dyadic satisfaction and quality of life

Evaluation of Guided Visualizations and the Relationships Among Perceived Stress, Differentiation of Self, Sense of Coherence, Dyadic Satisfaction and Quality of Life by Kim R. Rogers Dr. Katherine Hertlein, Committee Chair Professor of Family and Marriage Therapy University of Nevada, Las Vegas This study focused on three main areas. These areas involved (1) the relationship among perceived stress, global orientation to life and indicators of physical, psychological and dyadic relational distress, (2) the effect of a brief CBT-based relaxation/guided visualization intervention on these outcome indicators of distress, and (3) changes in physiological indicators during the intervention sessions. The study population was drawn from couples who perceived themselves as living highly stressed lifestyles. Results suggested that global orientation to life as reflected by differentiation of self inventory (DSI) and sense of coherence scale (SOCS) scale scores mediated the relationship between stress and distress. More specifically, individuals with higher DSI and SOCS scores showed lower levels of physical, psychological and relational distress related to their relatively high levels of perceived stress. Results also indicated that after the three session intervention, participants showed lower levels of perceived stress, dyadic distress, physical and psychological complaints, and higher scores on the DSI and SOCS. Monitoring of physiological parameters (breathing rate, heart rate variability and salivary cortisol) during the intervention sessions suggested relationships among