The use of psychological interventions as complementary methods in the rehabilitation process following myocardial infarction is increasing due to growing evidence of their positive effects. Research emphasizes the effects of guided imagery. In this study, we wanted to determine the effects of guided imagery on oxytocin secretion, HRV parameters and affective mood states (psychological well-being, depression, anxiety and stress). We also wanted to examine whether the patient's outcome expectations, perceived stress and empathy influenced oxytocin secretion. In the study, we included 20 participants who suffered myocardial infarction and were divided into the experimental or control group. Participants from the experimental group practiced the method of guided imagery every day for 4 weeks. To assess the effect of guided imagery on oxytocin secretion, saliva samples were collected from participants at the time of the first and last session before and after the practice of guided imagery. During guided imagery, participants also measured HRV parameters using a mobile application. To assess the effect of guided imagery on oxytocin secretion within the experimental groups, we used the t-test for two dependent samples and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. To compare the effects between groups, we used the t-test for two independent samples and the Mann-Whitney U test. To examine the effect of outcome expectations, empathy and perceived stress on oxytocin secretion in the experimental group, we conducted the regression analysis. The results showed a significant effect of guided imagery on reducing negative affect states, while it showed that the trends of changes in other measured variables are in the expected direction but are not statistically significant. These findings can contribute to a more comprehensive psychophysiological approach to treat patients after myocardial infarction and may serve as a basis for potential development of a non-invasive postinfarct treatment using oxytocin.
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