RELAXATION, MEDITATION, AND INSIGHT
Paul F. Grim
PSYCHOLOGIA 1975 DOI: 10.2117/psysoc.1975.125 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | The author, practicing autogenic training and progressive relaxation |
| Interventions | Autogenic training Progressive relaxation Desensitization therapy |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The author reports that achieving near-absolute relaxation and holding an image still produced clearer, more detached perception, which he argues supports the James-Lange theory of emotions and the view that muscle tension serves a defensive function. He also reports a feeling that complete stillness would yield omniscience, and contends that ancient Eastern meditation texts become less cryptic when read in light of total relaxation. |
Abstract
Discusses the experience of learning autogenic training and progressive relaxation.On occasions when the author was able to reach a state of near absolute relaxation, he experimented with desensitization therapy, and tried to hold an image completely still.To the extent that this was successful, clarity and objectivity of perception occurred which supports the James-Lange theory of the emotions, and those views which see muscle tensivity as a defensive process.A further finding, not quite so understandable, was the feeling that, had stillness been complete, omniscience would have resulted.Passages from ancient source books on Eastern mediation and modern commentaries which bear on this observation are quoted extensively.These works appear much less cryptic when seen in the context of the total relaxation experience.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain sources of EEG gamma frequency during volitionally meditation-induced, altered states of consciousness, and experience of the self Advanced meditator | 2001 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Mindfulness Meditation for Alcohol Relapse Prevention: A Feasibility Pilot Study Adult alcohol-dependent graduates of an intensive outpatient program | 2008 | Prospective case series | n = 19 |
| How does it feel to lack a sense of boundaries? A case study of a long-term mindfulness meditator. A single long-term mindfulness practitioner (S) with 40 years of practice in... | 2015 | Qualitative case study | n = 1 |
| Loving‐kindness meditation to enhance recovery from negative symptoms of schizophrenia Individuals suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with persistent negative... | 2009 | Case study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Problem Gambling A female problem gambler | 2011 | Case study | n = 1 |