The Role of Active Imagination Technique in the Healing of Childhood Traumas: A Systematic Meta-Analysis Study

Öz

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the role of active imagination in the healing process of childhood trauma. A systematic meta-analysis was conducted by reviewing national and international literature published between 2015 and 2025. The findings indicate that active imagination reduces post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, enhances self-awareness, and strengthens emotional regulation mechanisms. Additionally, it facilitates cognitive restructuring and helps individuals confront unconscious material more effectively. Recent neuroscientific research suggests that active imagination decreases amygdala activity, strengthens the regulatory functions of the prefrontal cortex, and positively influences stress hormone levels. These findings highlight the necessity of integrating active imagination into therapeutic processes and recommend a more detailed examination of its effectiveness across cultural contexts. This study also aims to contribute to future research that seeks to solidify the role of active imagination in therapeutic interventions.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Active imagination
• Childhood trauma
• Trauma therapy
• Unconscious
• Psychological healing

Aktif İmgeleme Tekniğinin Çocukluk Travmalarının İyileştirilmesindeki Rolü: Sistematik Bir Meta-Analiz

Öz

Bu çalışma, aktif imgelemenin çocukluk travmalarının iyileşme sürecindeki rolünü kapsamlı bir şekilde incelemektedir. 2000-2025 yılları arasında yayınlanmış ulusal ve uluslararası literatür sistematik olarak taranarak meta-analiz yöntemi uygulanmıştır. Bulgular, aktif imgelemenin travma sonrası stres bozukluğu (TSSB) semptomlarını azalttığını, öz-farkındalığı güçlendirdiğini ve duygusal düzenleme mekanizmalarını desteklediğini göstermektedir. Ayrıca, bu yöntemin bilişsel yeniden yapılandırma sürecine katkıda bulunduğu, bireylerin bilinçdışı materyallerle daha sağlıklı yüzleşmesine yardımcı olduğu belirlenmiştir. Son yıllardaki nörobilimsel çalışmalar, aktif imgelemenin amigdala aktivitesini azalttığını, prefrontal korteksin düzenleyici işlevlerini güçlendirdiğini ve stres hormonları üzerinde olumlu etkiler yarattığını ortaya koymaktadır. Bu bulgular, aktif imgelemenin terapi süreçlerine entegrasyonunun artırılmasının önemini vurgulamakta ve kültürel bağlamlarda etkinliğinin daha ayrıntılı incelenmesini önermektedir. Çalışma, aktif imgelemenin terapi süreçlerindeki yerini sağlamlaştırmayı hedefleyen ileri araştırmalara da katkı sunmayı amaçlamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Aktif imgeleme
• Çocukluk travması
• Travma terapisi
• Bilinçdışı
• Psikolojik iyileşme

Kaynakça

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