Preoperative preparation for surgery: An analysis of the effects of relaxation and information provision

The two objectives of this study were: (1) to replicate previous findings o n the effects of relaxation in the preparation for surgery, and (2) to anal yse the interaction effect between type of intervention (i.e., relaxation a nd information provision) and coping style (i.e., high versus low monitorin g) on patients' pain level and the return to normal daily activities. Ninety cholecistectomy patients, who accepted participation in the study, w ere randomly assigned to one of three groups. Patients in the first group r eceived complete sensory and procedural information. Those in the second gr oup were trained in relaxation, while individuals in the third group acted as an attention control group. All patients were assessed for preferred cop ing style. The results demonstrated, again, the positive effects of relaxation trainin g in the preparation of low monitoring patients. That is, low monitors trai ned in relaxation experienced less surgical pain through the recovery proce ss and performed at a higher activity level at followup, compared to low mo nitor controls. Moreover, individuals who were exposed to any of the interv entions experienced, in general, less pain, and reported a higher activity level during leisure time, than control patients. On the other hand, howeve r, no 'interaction effect was observed when the interaction between coping style and type of intervention was studied. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.