Isometric squeeze relaxation (progressive relaxation) vs meditation: absorption and focusing as predictors of state effects.
M Weinstein, J C Smith
Perceptual and Motor Skills December 1, 1992 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1992.75.3f.1263 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized or comparative intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 52 |
| Population | Anxious adults (16 men, 36 women) |
| Interventions | Isometric squeeze relaxation Meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Exercise Personality Models, psychological Adult Middle aged Female Relaxation therapy |
| Key points | The authors suggest that isometric squeeze relaxation and progressive relaxation may be more appropriate for individuals who have difficulty focusing, whereas meditation may suit those who already possess well-developed relaxation skills at a trait level. They argue the results align more closely with Smith's cognitive-behavioral model of relaxation than with Benson's relaxation response or Davidson and Schwartz's specific effects models. |
Abstract
We taught isometric squeeze relaxation (a variant of progressive relaxation) or meditation to 52 anxious subjects (16 men, 36 women). For meditation, pretreatment high absorption correlated with reductions in state cognitive and somatic anxiety as well as increments in state focusing. For isometric squeeze relaxation, pretreatment low state focusing correlated with reductions in somatic anxiety and increments in focusing. Results suggest that isometric squeeze relaxation (and progressive relaxation) may be more appropriate for individuals who have difficulty focusing, and meditation for those who already possess well-developed relaxation skills at a trait level. The results appear more consistent with Smith's cognitive-behavioral model of relaxation than with Benson's relaxation response or Davidson and Schwartz's specific effects models.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Individual differences in meditation interventions: A meta‐analytic study British Journal of Health Psychology February 27, 2022
- Meditation techniques v. relaxation therapies when treating anxiety: a meta-analytic review Psychological Medicine July 19, 2019
- Trait absorption, altered meaning, and mood disturbance during shamanic-like journeying: Moderator and indirect effects analyses Transpersonal Psychology Review 2009