The Lived Experience of a Mind-Body Intervention for People Living With HIV

Stress and anxiety are significant problems for individuals living with HIV. Mind-body therapies such as progressive muscle relaxation training and guided imagery (PMRT-GI) are effective in treating stress and anxiety in chronically ill persons. The purpose of this study was to identify key elements of an effective and culturally acceptable PMRT-GI intervention for economically disadvantaged persons with HIV. PMRT-GI was provided to 24 participants from African American, White, and Hispanic backgrounds. Using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, participants were interviewed about their experiences with PMRT-GI. Responses were tape-recorded, read, and reread; significant phrases and sentences were identified; meanings were formulated; and results were validated with participants. Five themes emerged: another world, feeling content, ease in muscle tension, one-on-one, and soft music. Background information and past experience with complementary and alternative methods were obtained.

Key words: complementary and alternative therapy, guided imagery, HIV/AIDS, phenomenology, progressive muscle relaxation training