The effects of progressive relaxation training on the disruptive behavior of a boy with autism

Abstract

This study examined the effects of progressive relaxation training on the disruptive behaviors of a boy with autism. Moreover, his overt relaxed behaviors before and after relaxation training were measured using the Behavioral Relaxation Scale (Poppen, 1988, Poppen, 1998). After the participant received training in progressive relaxation procedures a multielement design with three conditions was utilized to determine the effects of the procedures on the duration of the boy’s disruptive behaviors during leisure activity sessions. The conditions were: (a) relaxation prior to a leisure activity session; (b) cued relaxation; and (c) no relaxation prior to the session, which represented a baseline condition. Results indicated that the participant acquired progressive relaxation skills, displayed more relaxed behaviors after performing the procedures, and showed a decrease in the duration of his disruptive behaviors upon completing progressive relaxation training prior to a leisure activity session. Implications for future research are discussed.