lower than their pretest scores. Thus, the research hypothesis was confirmed.
It was concluded that due to the pre-experimental nature of the design and its attendant methodological failings, all that could be said with respect to findings was that they indicate a possible moderating effect of meditation on perceived pain intensity. However, before strong confidence can be placed in this conclusion, it will be necessary to conduct research that is more methodologically controlled.
Recommendations were made to future researchers. These related to improving the research design, investigating the spirituality component of meditation, and helping medical care personnel become more aware of alternative treatments.
Despite the prevalence of chronic and other forms of pain, it continues to be a challenging problem for the sufferer, family, health care providers, and society. Recently, researchers have acknowledged the importance alternative non-pharmacological treatments for reducing pain.
However, there is evidence that medical care personnel are not aware of these alternative treatments to a significant extent. For example, in a study of medical care personnel's knowledge of alternative, nonpharmacological treatment for cancer pain, Zaza, Sellick, Willan, Reyno and Browman (1999) surveyed 214 health care professions regarding 11 alternative strategies for pain reduction (i.e., guided imagery, acupuncture and so forth). The response rate was 67 percent (141/214).
Analyses of the data showed that respondents were the least familiar with autogenic training, operant conditioning, and cognitive therapy. Other than radiation and surgery, medical care personnel most commonly reported recommending support groups. Only about 43 percent of the respondents had at least heard "something" about the use of meditation for managing cancer pain.
It seems reasonable to state that one reason why professionals may not be as informed ...