Scientific Studies & Research Papers
I have to say, there aren't many scientific studies on the effects of visualisation embracing a broad or holistic perspective. This might be because conventional science and scientific methods follow a few main principles that don't make it easy to study something holistically:
a) They focus on a limited section of the whole in order to understand the whole.
b) They aim to quantify, to measure, to express in words and numbers, to generate templates, to standardise, to control etc., in order to explain and predict certain outcomes.
One could say, mainstream science generally uses a rather male energy dominated approach that often is limiting and only grasping certain aspects. Hence, it is not always able to describe and to grasp complex phenomena, especially if they involve a lot of female energy: creation processes, processes involving a flow of energy, circular, spiralling processes, irregular, extraordinary, extrasensory phenomena, etc. Visualisation, shamanic journeying and similar practices partly fall into that category - and so far, science mainly researched the male aspects that can be measured and standardised.
Please also note:
1. A lot of studies on this topic have been focussing on sport psychology, medical treatment/therapy, academic achievement and business coaching.
2. There aren't many scientific studies that involve young children.
3. Keep in mind that a) a lot of studies have a rather narrow focus, b) they are set up to assess a certain outcome (e.g. does visualisation improve athletic performance or not, does visualisation boost the immune system or not), and c) the participants of the studies are not regularly practising visualisation. This obviously affects the conclusions that are made. I haven't yet come across many structured empirical research projects or studies that explore the effects of visualisation in an "open-minded" holistic context.
4. We can use the findings of some of the studies to make our own transfer conclusions and explore the benefits and the potential of visualisation further.
5. And last but not least, as is true for any study: the outcome highly depends on the intention and focus of the researcher(s). Bear this in mind and heart - and explore and experiment on your own!
Martin Rossman - The Benefits of Imagery
Cancer research UK (various authors) - Visualisation in a therapeutic and medical context
Academy for Guided Imagery - Guided Imagery effects on various medical conditions & well-being
Belleruth Naparstek - an article that gives you a general overview on some of recent scientific findings (not scientific research but includes some links to relevant studies)
Blue Shield - Guided Imagery Program
Women with breast cancer, various research studies
Mayo Clinic research
Cassandra E. Dobson - Using guided imagery to manage pain in young children
Annie Plessinger - The effects of mental imagery on athletic performance
Deborah Feltz & Daniel M. Landers - The Effects of Mental Practice on Motor Skill
Kathleen A. Martin & Craig Hall - Using Mental Imagery to enhance Intrinsic Motivation
Zhang Li-Wei, Terry Orlick et al - The Effect of Mental Imagery Training on the Performance of 7-10 year old children
Niño Fredrico L. Narvacan, Evangeline Atienza-Bulaquiña, Lucille D. Evangelista - Effects of Visualisation on Academic Performance
David King Keller - The Optimal Performance State
I have HEAPS more research material in my archives - so if this is what you need/want, please get in touch :)
I have to say, there aren't many scientific studies on the effects of visualisation embracing a broad or holistic perspective. This might be because conventional science and scientific methods follow a few main principles that don't make it easy to study something holistically:
a) They focus on a limited section of the whole in order to understand the whole.
b) They aim to quantify, to measure, to express in words and numbers, to generate templates, to standardise, to control etc., in order to explain and predict certain outcomes.
One could say, mainstream science generally uses a rather male energy dominated approach that often is limiting and only grasping certain aspects. Hence, it is not always able to describe and to grasp complex phenomena, especially if they involve a lot of female energy: creation processes, processes involving a flow of energy, circular, spiralling processes, irregular, extraordinary, extrasensory phenomena, etc. Visualisation, shamanic journeying and similar practices partly fall into that category - and so far, science mainly researched the male aspects that can be measured and standardised.
Please also note:
1. A lot of studies on this topic have been focussing on sport psychology, medical treatment/therapy, academic achievement and business coaching.
2. There aren't many scientific studies that involve young children.
3. Keep in mind that a) a lot of studies have a rather narrow focus, b) they are set up to assess a certain outcome (e.g. does visualisation improve athletic performance or not, does visualisation boost the immune system or not), and c) the participants of the studies are not regularly practising visualisation. This obviously affects the conclusions that are made. I haven't yet come across many structured empirical research projects or studies that explore the effects of visualisation in an "open-minded" holistic context.
4. We can use the findings of some of the studies to make our own transfer conclusions and explore the benefits and the potential of visualisation further.
5. And last but not least, as is true for any study: the outcome highly depends on the intention and focus of the researcher(s). Bear this in mind and heart - and explore and experiment on your own!
Martin Rossman - The Benefits of Imagery
Cancer research UK (various authors) - Visualisation in a therapeutic and medical context
Academy for Guided Imagery - Guided Imagery effects on various medical conditions & well-being
Belleruth Naparstek - an article that gives you a general overview on some of recent scientific findings (not scientific research but includes some links to relevant studies)
Blue Shield - Guided Imagery Program
Women with breast cancer, various research studies
Mayo Clinic research
Cassandra E. Dobson - Using guided imagery to manage pain in young children
Annie Plessinger - The effects of mental imagery on athletic performance
Deborah Feltz & Daniel M. Landers - The Effects of Mental Practice on Motor Skill
Kathleen A. Martin & Craig Hall - Using Mental Imagery to enhance Intrinsic Motivation
Zhang Li-Wei, Terry Orlick et al - The Effect of Mental Imagery Training on the Performance of 7-10 year old children
Niño Fredrico L. Narvacan, Evangeline Atienza-Bulaquiña, Lucille D. Evangelista - Effects of Visualisation on Academic Performance
David King Keller - The Optimal Performance State
I have HEAPS more research material in my archives - so if this is what you need/want, please get in touch :)