Andrea Kneier RN, CRF
September 2016

Abstract

This Master Regenerating Images in Memory (RIM) project investigated the impact of the RIM Method on stress levels of mothers who have a child with Substance Use Disorder (SUD).  The study design consisted of 6 volunteer participants who agreed to receive three individual RIM sessions spaced approximately two weeks apart and to complete pre and post surveys.  The pre-survey was the valid DASS 21 questionnaire, a qualitative measure of distress along the three axes of depression, anxiety, and stress.  The post-survey was the same DASS 21 plus seven additional questions to elicit participants’ personal experience with RIM.

Findings:

Five out of six participants showed a decrease in one or more of Depression, Anxiety and Stress measurements.
The sixth participant showed an increase in all score values on the DASS 21.  She had a strong release in her first RIM session when she connected with her mom who died the previous year.  She commented afterwards:  “I hadn’t cried in a long time, I thought I was becoming numb… building those walls to protect yourself, you know.” Her RIM sessions may have enabled her to regain the ability to tune into her body.  This shift in self-awareness may be the reason that her score values increased.  Lane (2011) found that higher levels of emotional awareness has been associated with increased somatic symptom reports.  Her answers to post-questions suggest a similar process:

“I’m less afraid to discuss my feelings regarding addiction to anyone who will listen including my addict ‘child.’ ”  I’m more aware of what’s going on with my thoughts and how they affect me physically.”

Depression Group Scores Decreased by 60%
Stress Group Scores Decreased by 30%
Anxiety Group Scores Increased by 25% primarily due to large increase by participant 6 as mentioned above

Although all six participants were currently or had previously participated in support groups or counseling services, each expressed positive benefit from the RIM sessions:

• I am aware of how I can calm myself
• More positive things are happening in my life
• I am noticing more beauty throughout the day

Read the full report… Kneier RIM Master’s Project