Research: HEWSON-BOWER and DRUMM

Listed in Issue 70

Abstract

HEWSON-BOWER and DRUMMOND, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia, bhewsonb@central.murdoch.edu.au, investigated the effects of stress management and relaxation with guided imagery on upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children.

Background

Methodology

Subjects were 45 children with a history of 10 or more infections in the past year. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), an indicator of mucosal immunity, was measured before and during psychological treatment.

Results

The number of symptomatic episodes during 13 weeks of monitoring was similar in treatment and waitlist conditions; however, episodes were shorter in stress management and guided imagery conditions than in the waitlist condition. Levels of sIgA increased towards the end of treatment. These findings were confirmed in a replication study. Symptom reduction and improvements in psychological state persisted at 1-year follow-up .

Conclusion

Psychological treatment appears to interrupt a chronic illness cycle in children with symptoms of recurrent URTI.

References

Hewson-Bower B, Drummond PD. Psychological treatment of recurrent symptoms of colds and flu in children. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 51 (1): 369-77. Jul 2001.

ICAN 2024 Skyscraper

Scientific and Medical Network 2

Cycle Around the World for Charity 2023

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Charity 2023

top of the page