The effects on image instructions and spontaneous use of imagery on the self-control of skin temperature

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of image instructions on subjects able to use imagery spontaneously and those unable to use them spontaneously, on the self-control of skin temperature. The subjects were 20 undergraduate students. All subjects were instructed to raise their skin temperatures through four sessions. After the first session, subjects were assigned to one of the following three groups: the spontaneous image group (SI), instructed image group (II), and control group (C). The SI group comprised only of those subjects who used imagery spontaneously in the first session. Before the second session, the subjects in the SI and II groups were instructed to use imagery in the following sessions. The results showed that SI group subjects could raise their skin temperatures to higher levels than those in the other groups. These results suggest that subjects who use imagery spontaneously have a greater ability to control their skin temperatures, than other subjects who cannot raise their skin temperatures well, even if instructed in the use of imagery.