What Does my Anxiety Look Like? A Thematic Analysis of the Impact of a Single Session Imagery Technique on Emotional Issues

Abstract

Anxiety is one of the main emotional issues that has grown over the last few years. It is characterized by emotional overreaction to threatening situations that are experienced as frightening and emotionally. Unmanageable. In particular, COVID-19 emergencies lead to impairments in Quality of Life and mental well-being due to severe distress and the fear of getting sick or dying. A guided imagery technique can reportedly reduce emotional issues, anxiety in particular. We sought to determine the cognitive representation of anxiety in a sample of the general population. Moreover, we explored the emotional experience of a recorded guided imagery in reducing participants’ anxiety. Thirty-four participants answered ad hoc questions before and after the psychological tool. Findings were analyzed in accordance with the qualitative thematic analysis procedure, emerging three themes and nine related sub-themes. Firstly, participants reported various main colors and shapes, with a notable emphasis on dark tones and symbols, such as triangles. Second, body and mind are the two main sub-themes as benefits perceived during the imagery technique experiences. Lastly, participants evidenced body, emotions, cognitions, and anxiety management improvements as benefits in a long time. Future directions for practical implication.