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.

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