Rationale Exposure and Compliance to Relaxation Training

Abstract

Exposure to a rationale as a method to increase compliance with relaxation was tested on 52 subjects with stress-related problems. Subjects were randomly assigned to a rationale or no-rationale condition and were trained in progressive relaxation. Compliance during the subsequent week was measured by electronic tape-rewind counters, self-report, and objective and subjective ratings of performance 1 wk. later. Use of a rationale did not have a significant effect on compliance with relaxation. Although the subjects' self-reported practice and measures of proficiency were correlated, these measures were not significantly correlated with the rewind-counter measure of compliance. Research and clinical applications of these unexpected findings were discussed.