Bente Nordtug is an Associate Professor of Health Sciences at Nord University. Photo: Bjørnar Olav Leknes.
The study that provides the uplifting results
was conducted during the autumn of 2016 by Nord University in cooperation with brain
scientist Svetla Velikova (Smartbrain AS Oslo – Brussel).
The study refers to a method called 'self-guided
imagery therapy'.
- Guided imagery therapy is considered an
efficient method within modern cognitive psychotherapy.
- The method has demonstrated positive outcomes
against phobias, depression, anxiety, degree of optimism and improving of
relational connections for the patients, says Project Manager and Associate
Professor Bente Nordtug at Nord University.
Used Questionnaire and Measured
Brain Activity
- We used
both internationally recognised questionnaires as well as electric measuring of
brain activity through EEG (electroencephalogram). Data measured prior to
commencement was compared to data following three months of training, Nordtug
says.
- The
purpose of this study was to gain knowledge about whether courses in positive imagery
training techniques had any effect on the course participants' health following
their practicing the method on their own, without a guide, i.e. not lead by a
psychotherapist, Nordtug explains.
Potential for Treating Depression
- We can conclude that
this training method may be useful for emotional self-regulation of healthy
persons, and that it carries the potential for treating forms of sub-clinical
depression, Nordtug says.
How Brain Training Works
- Guided imagery
training may take its starting point from important incidents or situations for
the person in question. The person who conducts the training wants to change or
affect something inside himself or herself.
- One imagines the
incident or situations in question in a deeply relaxed situation, and uses
various inner cognitive techniques to affect one's own brain in relation to the
incident or situation.
- Using cognitive
techniques may for instance mean that one imagines a formerly painful situation
and imagines a different outcome in which the situation is changed into
something positive.
- It may also be that
one imagines how a relevant situation can turn into a good experience, Nordtug
says.
Invited Through Facebook
Thirty healthy individuals
in Norway were invited through Facebook to participate in the study.
First, they
participated in a two-day course to learn techniques for positive imaginary
training methods. Later, they trained at home on a regular basis. After three months,
they went through the techniques again.
More Satisfied and Efficient
- At the outset of the
study, 22 of the participants demonstrated symptoms of early depression. Following
the training period, the analysis of their questionnaires demonstrated that the
depressive symptoms were less prevalent.
- Furthermore, they
were more satisfied with their lives and evaluated themselves as more
efficient, Nordtug explains.
Positive Change Visible in the Brain
Researchers then viewed the data in the questionnaires in connection with the EEG measurements.
- It is interesting to
note that the findings from both the questionnaires and the EEG measurements
concur, so that it is actually possible to see positive changes in the brain on
images showing the brain's activity, Nordtug tells.
She says that this is
the first study where changes in the brain are measured following a completed
training period using this method.
- The measurements show
physiological changes in activities in the parts of the brain that play a role
in the person's feelings and mental health, according to Nordtug.