Shaju, Ann Maria2024-07-102024-07-102022https://hdl.handle.net/2440/141574This item is only available electronically.Guided imagery is a relaxation technique used to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Several studies have indicated that guided imagery is effective as a stress reduction technique in various contexts and populations. the effectiveness of guided imagery as a stress-reduction technique in various contexts across different populations. However, little research has been conducted on the effectiveness of guided imagery practice in reducing academic stress among university students. Also, only few studies have examined the effects of sustained guided imagery practice (i.e., beyond a single session). The current study was a randomised control trial, in which participants were randomised to listen to 5-to-10-minute audios featuring guided imagery (treatment; n = 15) or breathing relaxation exercises (control; n = 18) for seven days. The audios were administered alongside single-item measures of general stress. Academic stress was assessed on Days 1 and 7, and, on Day 7, participants additionally completed tasks that reflected academic motivation. Linear mixed modelling analyses indicated a greater reduction in general stress in the imagery group from Day 1 to Day 7, but descriptive statistics indicated that this was largely due to stress being marginally statistically significantly higher at baseline in the imagery group (due to chance). The trajectory of academic stress and the degree of academic motivation did not differ across groups. Testing all participants in the same seven-day period would help reduce chance-based anomalies in the study.Honours; PsychologyThesis