Relaxation: mapping an uncharted world.
J C Smith, A Amutio, J P Anderson, L A Aria
Biofeedback and self-regulation March 1996 DOI: 10.1007/bf02214150 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Survey study with factor analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 940 |
| Population | Practitioners of massage, abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation, yoga stretching, breathing, imagery, meditation, and combination treatments |
| Interventions | massage abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) yoga stretching breathing imagery meditation combination treatments |
| Measures | 82-item wordlist |
| Key findings | Factor analysis of relaxation experiences yielded 10 categories, with Calm and Limp accounting for only 5.5% of variance. Technique differences emerged: PMR and massage were associated with Distant and Limp; yoga stretching, breathing, and meditation with Aware; meditation with Prayerful; and all techniques except PMR with Joyful. The authors propose a revised model of relaxation with three global dimensions: tension-relief, passive disengagement, and passive engagement. |
Abstract
Nine hundred and forty practitioners of massage, abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), yoga stretching, breathing, imagery meditation, and various combination treatments described their technique experiences on an 82-item wordlist. Factor analysis yielded 10 interpretable relaxation categories: Joyful Affects and Appraisals (Joyful), Distant, Calm, Aware, Prayerful, Accepted, Untroubled, Limp, Silent, and Mystery The relaxation response and cognitive/somatic specificity models predict Calm and Limp, which account for only 5.5% of the variance of relaxation experience. Unlike much of previous relaxation research, we found important technique differences. PMR and massage are associated with Distant and Limp; yoga stretching, breathing, and meditation with Aware; meditation with Prayerful and all techniques except PMR with Joyful. Results are consistent with cognitive-behavioral relaxation theory and have implications for relaxation theory, treatment, training, assessment, and research. We close with a revised model of relaxation that posits three global dimensions; tension-relief, passive disengagement, and passive engagement.
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Psychobiology of Altered States of Consciousness. Psychological Bulletin 2005
- Zen meditation and ABC relaxation theory: An exploration of relaxation states, beliefs, dispositions, and motivations Journal of Clinical Psychology May 3, 2001
- A 15O‐H2O PET study of meditation and the resting state of normal consciousness Human Brain Mapping 1999
- Development of Guided Respiration Mindfulness Therapy: Manualization and Evaluation of Therapist Training and Clinical Outcomes in the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety Queensland University of Technology February 27, 2017
- Studying the Effects of Meditation The Oxford Handbook of Meditation August 6, 2020
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