Original Articles
Effects of Reiki on Anxiety, Depression, Pain, and Physiological Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Research in Gerontological Nursing  Vol. 3 No. 3 July 2010

By Nancy E. Richeson, PhD, CTRS; Judith A. Spross, PhD, RN, FAAN; Katherine Lutz, FNP, RN; Cheng Peng, PhD

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Reiki as an alternative and complementary approach to treating community-dwelling older adults who experience pain, depression, and/or anxiety. Participants (N = 20) were randomly assigned to either an experimental or wait list control group. The pre- and posttest measures included the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, Faces Pain Scale, and heart rate and blood pressure. The research design included an experimental component to examine changes in these measures and a descriptive component (semi-structured interview) to elicit information about the experience of having Reiki treatments. Significant differences were observed between the experimental and treatment groups on measures of pain, depression, and anxiety; no changes in heart rate and blood pressure were noted. Content analysis of treatment notes and interviews revealed five broad categories of responses: Relaxation; Improved Physical Symptoms, Mood, and Well-Being; Curiosity and a Desire to Learn More; Enhanced Self-Care; and Sensory and Cognitive Responses to Reiki.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Richeson is Associate Professor, Dr. Spross is Professor and Dean (Acting), College of Nursing and Health Professions, Dr. Peng is Associate Professor of Statistics, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and at the time this article was written, Ms. Lutz was a graduate research assistant, College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine. Ms. Lutz is currently working in Plattsburgh, New York.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This research was supported by grants from the College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Maine. The authors thank Pauline Wilson, BS, and Kate Cone, JD, both Reiki Master/Teachers, for assisting with this project.

Address correspondence to Nancy E. Richeson, PhD, CTRS, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Maine, 96 Falmouth Street, PO Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300; e-mail: richeson@usm.maine.edu.

Received: October 20, 2009; Accepted: May 13, 2010; Posted: June 30, 2010

doi:10.3928/19404921-20100601-01