ELAXATION may be seen as a behavioural state, usually defined by the specific operations that are used. Implications for children are far-reaching, and include possibilities for enhancing application with intel lectual, social, and emotional development. Improvements in learning, health, and general quality of life have been among the benefits of relaxation programmes.
The effort of relaxing carries with it autonomic responses which are opposite and antagonistic to those characteristic s of anxiety and other symptom-related stresses. Relaxation is also a means to develop a coping skill. Helping professions working with children should be actively involved in applying these techniques as a self control process which may reduce unnecessary and potentially harmful tension.
The main purposeof this article is to review the current status of relaxation as an intervention option and to urge extended and more aggressive utilisation.
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