Abstract:
The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to test the effect of guided imagery on depression among adolescents residing in Banglamung's home for boys in Chon Buri. A thirty six sample with mild to moderate depressive level, had never been trained for guided imagery, and had no medical illnesses or mental disorders. They were assigned into either an experimental and a control group using a simple random sampling technique. The experimental group (N=18) received guided imagery training, while the control group (N=18) received the usual care provided in home for boys. The experimental period included ten sessions, conducted twice a week. The Children Depressive Inventory (CDI) translated into Thai by Prof. Dr.Umaporn Trugkasombat (2002) was used to measure depression among sample. Descriptive statistics, t-test and repeated one-way analysis of variance were employed to analyze the data.The results of this study revealed that:1. The mean depression scores of the experimental group had significantly lower than those of control group scores (p<.05) immediately after completing the guided imagery training.2.The mean depression scores of the experimental group had significantly lower than those of control group scores (p<.05) at one month after completing the guided imagery training.3. The mean depression scores of the experimental group had significantly lower than before receiving the guided imagery training (p<.01) immediately after completing the guided imagery training. 4.The mean depression scores of the experimental group had significantly lower than before receiving the guided imagery training (p<.05) at one month after completing the guided imagery training.5.There was no significant difference of the mean depression scores of the experimental group comparing between immediately after completing the guided imagery training and at one month after completing the guided imagery training.The results from this study affirmed that guided imagery is an effective intervention which helps to reduce depression among adolescents in Banglamung's home for boys. It is also useful for mental health promotion.