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 on the effects of relaxation in the preparation for surgery, and (2) to analyse the interaction effect between type of intervention (i.e., relaxation and information provision) and coping style (i.e., high versus low monitoring) on patients' pain level and the return to normal daily activities. Ninety cholecistectomy patients, who accepted participation in the study, were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Patients in the first group received complete sensory and procedural information. Those in the second group were trained in relaxation, while individuals in the third group acted as an attention control group. All patients were assessed for preferred coping style. The results demonstrated, again, the positive effects of relaxation training in the preparation of low monitoring patients. That is, low monitors trained in relaxation experienced less surgical pain through the recovery process and performed at a higher activity level at follow-up, compared to low monitor controls. Moreover, individuals who were exposed to any of the interventions experienced, in general, less pain, and reported a higher activity level during leisure time, than control patients. On the other hand, however, no ‘interaction effect’ was observed when the interaction between coping style and type of intervention was studied.