The technique included some unusual features. Instructions were written specifically for the patient in order to attach motivational significance to the signalling stimulus, to be compatible with his conceptualization of the problem and to instruct him in the use of a specific cognitive strategy to gain control of the biological process. Before instrumental control training per se the patient was instructed concerning progressive relaxation, and the relaxation process was eventually used as the cognitive strategy in the control sessions.
Treatment was completed in 10 weeks, and follow-up over a period of 15 months shows no relapse in terms of perspiration or social behaviour.
References
1.
JacobsonE.: Progressive Relaxation,Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1929
2.
MillerN. E. and DiCaraL.: Instrumental learning of heart rate changes in curarized rats: shaping and specificity to discriminative stimulus, J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol.,63, 12-19, 1967.
3.
ShapiroD., SchwartzG. E. and TurskyB.: Control of diastolic blood pressure in men by feedback and reinforcement, Psychophysiology9, 296-304, 1972.
