The More Vivid the Imagination the Better: The Role of the Vividness of Imagination in Vasoconstriction Training and Vasodilatation Training

Graef JE, Rief W, Nestoriuc Y, Weise C (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Springer Verlag (Germany)

Book Volume: 42

Pages Range: 283-298

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1007/s10484-017-9373-1

Abstract

Blood volume pulse biofeedback represents an effective non-pharmacological treatment for migraine. However, the underlying mechanisms of blood volume pulse biofeedback are still unclear. This study investigated the influence of vividness of imagination, private body consciousness, perfectionism, and general self-efficacy on physiological (blood volume pulse amplitude) and psychological (session performance rated by participants and by trainers) success. Changes in skin conductance and skin temperature indicating habituation to training context were examined. Forty-five healthy male participants were randomized to four sessions of vasoconstriction training or vasodilatation training. Hierarchical linear models were estimated. Results showed significant changes of session performance rated by participants (UC = 0.62, p <.05), by trainers (UC = 0.52, p <.001), and skin temperature (UC = 0.01, p <.001) over time. A change of blood volume pulse amplitude could not be observed (UC = −0.01, p =.65). Vividness of imagination was highly important for both psychological achievement ratings (UCparticipants = 1.3, p <.001; UCtrainers = 0.29, p <.01). Relations between skin temperature and general self-efficacy or personal standards were small (UCself-efficacy = 0.002, p <.10; UCpersonal standards = 0.002, p <.05). A time × group interaction regarding trainers’ achievement ratings indicated a specific judgement effect. In conclusion, biofeedback trainers should pay attention to their beliefs and participants’ vividness of imagination.

Authors with CRIS profile

Cornelia Weise

Involved external institutions

Philipps-Universität Marburg DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Graef, J.E., Rief, W., Nestoriuc, Y., & Weise, C. (2017). The More Vivid the Imagination the Better: The Role of the Vividness of Imagination in Vasoconstriction Training and Vasodilatation Training. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 42(4), 283-298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-017-9373-1

MLA:

Graef, Julia E., et al. "The More Vivid the Imagination the Better: The Role of the Vividness of Imagination in Vasoconstriction Training and Vasodilatation Training." Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback 42.4 (2017): 283-298.

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