Effect of Relaxation Training on Working Memory Capacity and Academic Achievement in Adolescents

Abstract

In an experimental study 40 girl students of 7th grade were selected using random cluster sampling from one middle school in Tehran and divided into test and control groups by random assignment. Initially they were assessed by working memory capacity test (Daneman & Carpenter, 1980). Then, the test group through 12 educational sessions (one hour sessions, 3 sessions per week) was taught relaxation techniques, and it is noteworthy that no education was given to a control group. Upon completion of educational sessions, both test and control groups were assessed again with the working memory capacity test. In the case of the academic achievement, the Grade Point Average (GPA) of the first semester for pre-test and the GPA of the second semester for post-test were used. Multivariate analysis of covariance showed that relaxation training increase working memory capacity and its components, storage and processing, and academic achievement. Therefore, relaxation training is a useful technique for student progress.