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Abstract

Imagery and relaxation training have been used as major components of systematic desensitization. While imagery vividness and clarity ate not related to degree of relaxation or effectiveness of systematic desensitization, it is hypothesized that controllability of imagery is facilitated by relaxation. Increased controllability of imagery could aid in reduction of fear through extinction of conditioned fear or symbolic mastery. The present study tested the hypothesis that controllability of imagery increases as a function of relaxation training. The data showed that such training was effective in reducing EMG activity and level of self-report measures of tension. A didactic training control group showed no change on EMG and self-report measures. Controllability of imagery increased over training trials for both groups but was not differentially affected by type of training. The results are discussed in terms of methodological issues in measurement of imagery and future research on the relationship of relaxation and processes of imagery.

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Relationship of Relaxation Training to the Controllability of Imagery

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References