title: Self-instructed relaxation: a therapeutic alternative.
abstract: A self-instructed relaxation program was compared with therapist-instructed relaxation and waiting list controls. Self-report anxiety measures ( IPAT and STAI ) and a psychophysiological stress profile (frontal EMG, GSR, heart rate, finger temperature monitored under relaxation and stressor conditions) were utilized pre- and posttreatment to determine efficacy. Self-monitored heart rate, respiration rate, and finger temperature were used to monitor home practice sessions. Subjects reported increased ability to relax and control stress; however, frontal EMG measured under stressor conditions was the only dependent measure to confirm this perception. No between-group differences on any other dependent measures were observed. Reliable changes on all self-monitored home practice measures were observed, suggesting that this procedure is a useful gauge of home practice.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D001143:Arousal; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011380:Programmed Instructions as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*