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The idea of imagination: an analysis of "imagery".

BACKGROUND
Although the benefits of guided imagery are now more widely recognized, the definitions of imagery used by various health science disciplines are inconsistent.


PURPOSE
To conduct an analysis of the concept of imagery as understood among the health science professions.


METHODS
An inductive, descriptive means of inquiry was used to clarify the concept of imagery. Data were analyzed by categories: surrogates, attributes, contextual information (antecedents; consequences), related terms, and references.


FINDINGS
The prevailing surrogate term for mental imagery is visualization. Attributes of imagery include psychophysiological, mental, quasi-reality, dynamic, and process. References include therapeutic settings.


CONCLUSIONS
This concept analysis has led to the following working definition: "Imagery, a mental function, is a lived experience that is a dynamic, quasi-real, psychophysiological process." The analysis was intended to identify consensus on the concept of imagery within the health professions, and provide a foundation for further research.