The effect of Reiki therapy on maternal anxiety associated with amniocentesis

• Author / Creator

  Mauro, Margareth Torregoza

• The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the acceptability and feasibility to conduct a randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Reiki therapy on the anxiety levels of pregnant women about to experience their first amniocentesis. Participants (n = 30) were randomized to one of three groups (Reiki, Placebo, Control). The anxiety levels of each participant were assessed on seven occasions using the Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS), twice using the Sheehan Patient Rated Anxiety Scale (SPRAS), and once using an interview format.

  A total of 23 participants completed the study protocol. All participants reported significant differences in SUDS anxiety at different times throughout the amniocentesis. There was a differential treatment effect between the control group and both treatment groups immediately following the intervention. There was no difference in pre-treatment and post-treatment SPRAS scores. The feasibility and acceptability of conducting a larger study was supported.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Amniocentesis -- Psychological aspects
  • Reiki (Healing system) -- Evaluation
  • Pregnancy -- Psychological aspects
  • Anxiety -- Prevention
  • Anxiety -- Testing
  • Clinical psychology
  • Physical therapy
  • Psychotherapy
  • Therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Gynecology
  • Nursing

• Graduation date

  2001

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Nursing

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-w4a8-hc98

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.