The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of specific instructions in relaxation and neuromuscular tension control on changes in the performance of a memorization test under stress. The memorization test required recall of random numbers. Stress was induced by a verbal threat. GSR, respiration rate, and EMG recordings were obtained from each S on initial and final tests. Ss who were taught to control neuromuscular tension performed significantly better on the final test than Ss who were not taught to control neuromuscular tensions.
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