Subjective and cognitive effects of relaxation

Abstract

Relaxation and meditation are widely used psychological treatments, but their effectiveness has been questioned, and the mechanism of their therapeutic effect is not well-understood. It has been suggested that the subjective effect of regular practice of relaxation may lead to changes in cognition and behaviour. To investigate this possibility, the effects of relaxation on affect and cognition were compared with those of an equally plausible placebo in normal Ss. In the presence of the therapist, both ‘treatments’ were equally effective in reducing arousal and distress, but when practising alone, Ss who were taught relaxation techniques achieved similar effects, while Ss in the placebo group did not. Arousal reduction was associated with a decrease in the accessibility of negative cognitions in both groups. Although no unequivocal treatment differences in the recall of positive and negative words emerged, the superior consistency of relaxation training as a means of achieving subjective arousal reduction during solo practice might support the hypothesis that changes in cognition and behaviour could result from regular practice of relaxation. Relaxation techniques also moderated the increase in arousal brought about by watching a stressful film.