Date of Award
12-1980
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Cheryl Poche
Second Advisor
Dr. Wayne Fuqua
Third Advisor
Dr. Paul Mountjoy
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Training and self-control conditions within each session were incorporated in a multiple Baseline design with replications across subjects. The generality of relaxation skills acquired through relaxation training to a self-control condition where the subjects relaxed without assistance was assessed. EMG biofeedback was initially employed as a training technique; however, it was not effective in assisting the subjects to relax. A training procedure using verbal instructions was then introduced to replace the biofeedback. Verbal instructions were effective in assisting the subjects to relax, and the relaxation skills tended to show generality to the self-control condition. To assess the effects of the successful instruction-assisted relaxation training on subsequent performance with biofeedback, EMG biofeedback training was reintroduced. Although the performance of the subjects in the second biofeedback phase was quite variable, the ability of two of the three subjects to relax in the presence of the feedback was significantly improved. Verbal instructions may be a critical component of feedback assisted relaxation training.
Recommended Citation
Kesselring, John W., "An Investigation of Relaxation Training Effects and Generality Using Biofeedback and Verbal Instructions" (1980). Masters Theses. 1899.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1899