Semantic Relaxation Intervention (SRI) and the systematic attenuation of insomniac symptoms: A psychological behaviorism approach.

Abstract

Abstract Semantic Relaxation Intervention (SRI) is derived from Psychological Behavior Therapy (PBT). Semantic relaxation was applied to modify the maladaptive sleeping behaviors of a 22-year-old male. The participant's sleep behaviors, sleep-related cognitions, and affect were self-monitored prior to sleep onset. The intervention program applied semantic relaxation to elicit a positive emotional state. The psychological behaviorism intervention promoted adaptive sleeping behaviors and consequently decreased insomniac symptoms. The favorable treatment effects were maintained at a 4-week follow-up.Semantic Relaxation Intervention (SRI) and the Systematic Attenuation of Insomniac Symptoms: A Psychological Behaviorism Approach ********** Literature regarding the treatment of insomnia is extensive, with behavior therapy and pharmacotherapy, most notably benzodiazepines (e.g., Holbrook, Crowther, Lotter, Cheng, & King, 2000), receiving the greatest empirical support. Successful behavior modification strategies include progressive relaxation (Borkovec & Hennings, 1978), hypnosis (Borkovec & Fowles, 1973), systematic desensitization, cognitive therapy, sleep hygiene maneuvers, sleep restriction therapy, and stimulus control (Walsh, Benca, Bonnet & Buysse, 1999). The efficacy of these treatments has been reviewed extensively, with the consistent conclusion that pharmacotherapy should only be utilized as a secondary alternative to behavior modification strategies (Holbrook et al., 2000). Insomnia is often defined as the dissatisfaction with the quantity and or quality of sleep. It is a rather common complaint that is notorious for its resistance to change and its vulnerability to relapse (Holbrook et al., 2000) although adaptive habits that contribute to healthy sleeping patterns may be just as resistance to change. Relaxation techniques are typically incorporated in the pursuit of this change (Walsh et al., 1999). However, exclusive reliance on relaxation techniques is typically not sufficient in the effort to modify insomniac behaviors. Relaxation techniques alone rely primarily on bodily awareness and the release of muscular tension. They often neglect distinctive, motivational, emotional, and behavioral factors that maintain maladaptive sleeping behaviors. Because the definition of a normal sleeping pattern is not well established, the estimates of the severity of insomnia vary widely (Holbrook et al., 2000), thus suggesting that sleeping behaviors are relatively multi-dimensional with sensory-motor, language-cognitive, and emotional-motivational components (Nelson & Hekmat, 1991). In order to achieve a better grasp of the variables contributing to one's sleeping pattern a unifying, multi-dimensional behavioral approach is needed. In the present study, Staats' framework theory of psychological behaviorism was utilized to formulate an intervention program designated to modify maladaptive sleeping behaviors. Staats (1975, 1986, 1990) theorized that a stimulus performs three (A-R-D) distinct functions: eliciting affect (A), reinforcing behavior (R), and directing behavior (D); thus performing as an incentive to motivate behavior. Particularly in the human species, language serves as a higher-order stimulus (Eifert, 1987; Hekmat, 1990; Hekmat, Deal, & Lubitz, 1985; Levely & Martin, 1987; Staats & Eifert, 1990). Evaluative properties of words or symbols that were conditioned previously may serve as UCS's and consequently transfer their motivational significance, through associative principles, to a CS. Self-language or for practical purposes, self-talk operates in the same manner, eliciting positive or negative emotions, reinforcing responses, and directing behavior patterns. In essence, self-statements are a valuable means to achieving self-control (Nelson & Hekmat, 1991). The present study utilized self-monitoring to measure behavior repertoires of an adult male who presented with maladaptive sleeping behaviors. …