Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:1467-1471.

Abstract

The study was a Quasi experimental two group pre-and post- experimental design. It involved 32 samples at both experimental and control groups. This research was conducted to examine the effect of Guided Imagery on depression among male inmates. Subjects in the experimental group were asked to practice Guided Imagery in group for 10 sessions three times a week over 4 weeks of treatment period. Subjects from the control group participated in daily activities. Due to ethical consideration, following the completion of this study, however, the subjects in the control group were given Guided Imagery exercises as to reduce their depression signs and symptoms. The data were collected from the prisoners at Correctional Institution Sukamiskin Bandung Indonesia, from August to September 2014. Guided Imagery demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in depression (p=0.041) on the experimental group compared with the control group. Guided Imagery is a powerful, simple and economic intervention to reduce depression symptoms. The study found that the experimental group experience less depression than the control group. This study can be applied to other correctional institutions to reduce depression among prison inmates. Further studies are recommended to explore the effectiveness of guided imagery on depression among male inmates.