Examining the multi-process theory: an investigation of the effects of two relaxation techniques on state anxiety

Abstract

To test the multi-process theory (The psychobiology of relaxation and related states: a multi-process theory, in: D.E. Mostofsky (Ed.), Behavioural Control and Modification of Physiological Activity, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, pp. 399–442.), the effects of Benson's relaxation method (The Relaxation Response, William Morrow and Company, New York.) and progressive relaxation (Progressive Relaxation, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.) on state anxiety were measured in 76 undergraduate university students using a modified version of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (Development and validation of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, in: R. Martens, R.S. Vealey, D. Burton. (Eds.), Competitive Anxiety in Sport, Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL, pp. 117–213). Results suggested that both relaxation techniques were effective in reducing cognitive and somatic anxiety, and elevating self-confidence. However, contrary to the predictions of the multi-process theory, there were no significant differences between the effects of either technique. The findings were discussed in light of the relaxation response (The Relaxation Response, William Morrow and Company, New York) and the cognitive-behavioural model (Meditation as psychotherapy: a new look at the evidence, in: M.A. West, (Ed.), Psychology of meditation, Oxford University Press, London, pp. 136–149; Relaxation Dynamics: A Cognitive-Behavioural Approach to Relaxation, Research Press, Champaign, IL; Cognitive-Behavioural Relaxation Training: A New System of Strategies for Treatment and Assessment, Springer, New York) as alternatives in predicting the effects of relaxation techniques on anxiety.