IPUMS NHIS: descr: RELGIMYR

IPUMS NHIS

NHIS
MEPS

NATIONAL HEALTH INTERVIEW SURVEY

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RELGIMYR

Used guided imagery, past 12 months

Return to Relaxation Technique - General variables list

Codes and Frequencies

Category availability view
Case-count view

An 'X' indicates the category is available for that sample

Code	Label	22	17	12	07	02	99
0	NIU	X	X	X	X	X	X
1	No	X	X	X	X	X	X
2	Yes	X	X	X	X	X	X
7	Unknown-refused	X	X	·	X	·	X
8	Unknown-not ascertained	X	X	·	X	X	X
9	Unknown-don't know	X	X	·	X	·	X

Description

RELGIMYR reports whether the person had used guided imagery (1999, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017, 2022) or progressive relaxation (2022) in the past 12 months. Please see the Comparability and Universe Tabs for information on changes to the universe of this variable over time.

Prior to 2022, relaxation techniques were one of many alternative health treatment modalities included in the Complementary and Alternative Health Supplements. In some years, if sample respondents gave a positive response to RELGIMYR they were asked a series of follow-up questions.

Beginning in 2022, RELGIMYR was one of twenty-five variables sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to assess complementary and integrative health (CIH) practices. Please see THPYART to learn more about the Complementary and Integrative Health content section, including a complete list of CIH variables fielded in the 2022 NHIS.

Definitions[show more]

The 1999 Field Representative's Manual says that "imagery" (not "guided imagery") is:

using the imagination or visualization to relieve pain and promote healing.

This definition was not routinely shared with respondents.

The 2002 Field Representative's Manual says that guided imagery:

involves a series of relaxation techniques followed by the visualization of detailed images, usually calm and peaceful in nature. If used for treatment, the client may visualize their body as healthy, strong, and free of the specific problem or condition. Sessions, conducted in groups or one-on-one, are typically 20 to 30 minutes in length, and may be practiced several times a week. Guided imagery has been advocated for a number of chronic conditions, including headaches, stress, high blood pressure, and anxiety.

This definition was not routinely shared with respondents.

The 2007 and later Field Representative's Manuals provide a similar definition:

Used for healing or health maintenance, guided imagery involves a series of relaxation techniques followed by the visualization of detailed images, usually calm and peaceful in nature. If used for treatment, the individual will visualize their body free of the specific problem or condition. Sessions are typically 20 to 30 minutes in length, and may be practiced several times a week.

Beginning in 2007, field representatives were advised to "feel free to offer [this definition] even if the respondent has not requested [it]."

In 2022, the questionnaire text shared with the respondent defined guided imagery and progressive relaxation in the following way:

Guided imagery uses visualization to relax. Progressive relaxation uses tensing and relaxing muscle groups.

Related Variables[show more]

In 2022, additional information about the use of guided imagery and progressive relaxation was collected for respondents who reported using these techniques in the past 12 months, including to treat or manage physical pain and to restore overall health.

RELGIMPAIN: Used guided imagery or progressive relaxation for pain

RELGIMHLTH: Used guided imagery or progressive relaxation to restore overall health

Comparability

Changes in the universe and sample design affect comparability of this variable across time.

Sample Adults
In 2002, 2007 and 2012, sample adults 18 and older were asked whether they had ever used relaxation or stress management techniques, or meditation, guided imagery, or progressive relaxation (in 2012) (RELAXEV). If they indicated that they had ever used relaxation techniques, they were then asked whether they had used guided imagery in the past 12 months. In 1999, 2017, and 2022, sample adults 18 and older were asked whether they used guided imagery in the past 12 months without being first asked if they had ever used relaxation techniques.

Sample Children
In 2007, sample children were added to the universe for this question. In 2012 only, the sample child universe was restricted by if the sample child had ever used guided imagery (RELGIMEV). In 2007, respondents for sample children under 18 were asked about relaxation techniques, and in 2012, 2017, and 2022, respondents for sample children age 4 and older were asked about relaxation techniques.

In addition, the NHIS questionnaire was substantially redesigned in 2019 to introduce a different data collection structure and new content. For more information on changes in terminology, universes, and data collection methods beginning in 2019, please see the user note.

Universe

1999: Sample adults age 18+.
2002: Sample adults age 18+ who have ever used guided imagery for their health (RELGIMEV).
2007: Sample adults age 18+ who have ever used guided imagery and sample children under 18.
2012: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children age 4+ who have ever used guided imagery (RELGIMEV).
2017: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children age 4+.
2022: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children age 4-17.

Survey Text

2022

2017

2012

2007

2002

1999

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2022

Survey form view entire document: text image

Question ID: CIH.0180.00.3
Variable: GIPR_A
Interview Module: Adult
Content Type: Sponsored Content

Question text:

Guided imagery uses visualization to relax. Progressive relaxation uses tensing and relaxing
muscle groups. During the past 12 months, did you use guided imagery or progressive relaxation?

Response:

1 - Yes
2 - No
7 - Refused
9 - Don't Know

Universe:

Sample Adults 18+

Skip Instructions:

1 [goto GIPRPAIN_A]
2,RF,DK [goto YOGA_A]

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2017

Survey form view entire document: text image

Question ID: ACH.090_00.000

Instrument Variable Name: MBO_IMG1
Questionnaire File Name: Sample Adult
Question Text:

? [F1]
* Read if necessary: DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, did you use ? Guided imagery?

1 Yes
2 No
7 Refused
9 Don't know

Universe Text: Sample adults 18+
Skip Instructions:

(1,2,R,D) [goto MBO_PRO1]

Survey form view entire document: text image

Question ID: CCH.090_00.000

Instrument Variable Name: CMBOU_IM
Questionnaire File Name: Sample Child
Question Text:

? [F1]
* Read if necessary: DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, did (fill1: S.C. name) use
? Guided imagery

1 Yes
2 No
7 Refused
9 Don't know

Universe Text: Sample children 4+
Skip Instructions:

(1,2,R,D) [goto CMBOU_PR]

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2012

Survey form view entire document: text image

QuestionID: ALT.376_00.000

Instrument Variable Name: MBOU_IMG Adult CAM
QuestionText:

? [F1] DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, did you use... Guided imagery?

1 Yes
2 No
7 Refused
9 Don't know

UniverseText: Sample adults 18+ who have ever used guided imagery
SkipInstructions:

(1,2,R,D) if MBOE_PRO=1 [goto MBOU_PRO];
else if MBOE_IMG =1 and (MBOE_MAN and MBOE_MND and MBOE_SPR and MBOE_PRO)=2,R,D, fill value in MBO_MST1, [goto MBO_BRTH];else if two or more of the other MBOU 12 month series answered 1 (yes), [goto MBO_MST1]
(2,R,D)If (MBOE_MAN and MBOE_MND and MBOE_SPR and MBOE_PRO)=2,R,D [goto YTQE_YOG] else if at the last cycle though of the MBOU_* variables where ALL=2,R,D, [goto YTQE_YOG]

Survey form view entire document: text image

Question ID: CAL.376_00.000

Instrument Variable Name: CMBU_IMG
QuestionText:

? [F1] DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, did [fill: S.C. name] use... Guided imagery?

1 Yes
2 No
7 Refused
9 Don't know

UniverseText: Sample children 4+ who have ever used guided imagery
SkipInstructions:

(1,2,R,D) if CMBE_PRO=1 [goto CMBU_PRO]; else if CMBE_IMG=1 and (CMBE_MAN and CMBE_MND and CMBE_SPR and CMBE_PRO)=2,R,D, fill value in CMB_MST1, [goto CMB_BRTH]; else if two or more of the other CMBU 12 month series answered 1 (yes), [goto CMB_MST1]
(2,R,D) If (CMBE_MAN and CMBE_MND and CMBE_SPR and CMBE_PRO)=2,R,D [goto CYGE_YOG] else if at the last cycle through of the CMBU_* variables where ALL=2,R,D, [goto CYGE_YOG]

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2007

Survey form view entire document: text image

Question ID: : ALT.908_00.000

Instrument Variable Name: RELU_GIM
Question Text:

?[F1]
DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, did you use guided imagery for yourself?

1 Yes
2 No
7 Refused
9 Don't know

Universe Text: Sample adults 18+ ever used guided imagary
Skip Instructions:

Survey form view entire document: text image

Question ID: : CAL.455_00.000

Instrument Variable Name: CRL_GI
Question Text:

?[F1]
*Read if necessary.
DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS did [S.C. name] use any of the following relaxation or stress management techniques?
...Guided imagery?

1 Yes
2 No
7 Refused
9 Don't know

Universe Text: Sample children LT 18
Skip Instructions:

(1,2,R,D) [goto CRL_PR]

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2002

Survey form view entire document: text image

ALT.316

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, did you use...

(1) Yes
(2) No
(7) Refused
(9) Don't know

RELU_MED Meditation
RELU_GIM Guided imagery
RELU_PRO Progressive relaxation
RELU_DBE Deep breathing exercises

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1999

Survey form view entire document: text image

AAU.320.020

People may also use alternative health care services. I'd like to ask you about your use of some alternative kinds of therapies and treatments. During the PAST 12 MONTHS have you used...?

(1) Yes
(2) No
(7) Refused
(9) Don't know

AHCACU ...acupuncture
AHCREL ...relaxation techniques
AHCMT ...massage therapy
AHCIMA ....imagery
AHCSPI ....spiritual healing/prayer
AHCLSD ....lifestyle diets
AHCHM ....herbal medicine
AHCHOME ...homeopathic treatment
AHCENE ....energy healing
AHCBIO ....biofeedback
AHCHYP ....hypnosis
AHCOTH ....other alternative therapy or treatment

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Codes and Frequencies

Description

Comparability

Universe

Availability

Survey Text

Weights