The Effect of Visualized Meditation on Anxiety, Pain, and Comfort in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy

Meditation and visualization exercises have been found to alter an individual's mood and perception. Recent neuroscience literature suggests that meditation practices alter brain chemistry, structure, and function more permanently. Meditation facilitates increased selective attention, which increases the ability to silence unwanted outcomes while focusing on a specific outcome, and reduces activity in the amygdala, which is associated with the production of fear and anxiety. Guided meditation with background music is effective in increasing attention, reducing stress, and therefore improving mental health. Visualization is the conscious control of mental imagery. Imagery often plays a fundamental role not only in experiencing reality but also in creating it. In this context, it can be argued that visualized meditation may also allow for the reshaping of perceived reality, such as anxiety and pain, and reduce their negative effects on the patient. This study was conducted to determine the effects of visualized meditation on anxiety, pain, and comfort in patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients over the age of 18, with no hearing impairment,
• Submitting a colonoscopy for the first time,
• Not diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder and therefore not taking medication,
• Willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who refused to participate in the study, underwent a colonoscopy for biopsy, or underwent deep sedation.
• Patients who volunteered to participate and then wished to withdraw from the study at any stage.