Helping Students Manage Anxiety with Imagery-Based Motivation Program

Students often face anxiety when participating in new or challenging activities, which can hinder their academic and social performance. A recent study has demonstrated that utilizing mental imagery techniques, specifically Functional Imagery Training (FIT), can significantly reduce anxiety levels among students by boosting their motivation toward positive future goals.

Researchers from the University of Plymouth's School of Psychology, in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology, found that FIT works by encouraging students to vividly visualize successful outcomes and empowering them to feel in control of their emotional responses. This process helps diminish fears of negative experiences and fosters a sense of resilience and self-efficacy.

During the study, undergraduate students participated in individualized FIT sessions lasting between 40 and 60 minutes. These sessions involved personalized imagery exercises that aimed to strengthen motivation and calm anxiety. The results showed that students who engaged in FIT experienced a notable reduction in anxiety, which was attributed to the calming and empowering effects of mental imagery.

One participant noted that visualizing their goals as already achieved increased their motivation and commitment to reach those goals. Professor Jackie Andrade emphasized that although FIT is not a cure-all for anxiety, it provides individuals with a valuable psychological toolkit to better manage stressful situations and shift their focus toward positive outcomes.

The researchers are now working to expand access to FIT for more young people, hoping to equip them with proactive strategies to manage anxiety before it develops into persistent mental health issues. This promising approach offers a new pathway for supporting student mental health, especially during critical transitional phases such as moving from school to university.

This study, published in Behaviour Research and Therapy, highlights the importance of innovative mental health interventions that leverage the power of mental imagery to foster resilience and motivation among students, ultimately helping them navigate academic and personal challenges more effectively.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-students-anxiety-positive-outcomes.html