Examines a nine-session behavior modification program to relieve test anxiety in which instruction in muscle relaxation techniques was followed by desensitization to 25 test-related anxiety-producing items. An experimental group showed a significant increase in grade point average compared to a control group. (MB)

The popularity of sport psychology, both as an academic discipline and an applied practice, has grown substantially over the past two decades. Few within the realm of competitive athletics would argue with the importance of being mentally prepared prior to an athletic competition as well as the need to maintain that particular mindset during a…

The manual provides information and diagrams for constructing CAP, Communication Aid for Paraplegics and other severely physically handicapped persons. Also described are factors influencing the design and modification of the alphabet display. It is explained that CAP combines a teletypewriter with a rotating alphabet display and requires only a…

Virtual reality exposure has recently emerged as an important tool for exposure therapy in the treatment of fear of flying. There have been numerous empirical studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure as compared to other treatments including in vivo exposure, progressive muscle relaxation, cognitive therapy,…

Evaluated with 86 children (grades 4 through 6) in both regular and special education classes were techniques for teaching children self control of hyperactivity in the regular educational setting. Ss were divided into three groups: control group; placebo-control group, receiving sensorimotor training; and the experimental group, receiving a…

Examined symptoms of muscle dysmorphia (MD), a variation of the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia, among college students. Surveys indicated that MD symptomatology appears in the general population and among both sexes. MD significantly related to eating disorder pathology and depression, and to some degree to impaired social support.…

Although persistent anger is not represented in "DSM-IV" as a psychiatric disorder, it is nevertheless a significant clinical problem. Based on our experience with both research and clinic patients from a diverse urban population, and drawing on methods utilized by others, we have refined and elaborated several treatment strategies that appear…

Reviews common problems experienced by clients during progressive muscle relaxation training (PMRT) and summarizes pertinent solutions to those problems. Discusses difficulties and solutions related to cognitive restructuring training. Notes that cognitive restructuring is often used to enhance effectiveness of PMRT. Concludes with suggestions for…

Hearing impaired students who display inappropriate negative responses to everyday classroom events can be helped through four techniques: (1) counter-conditioning, (2) vicarious learning, (3) systematic desensitization, and (4) progressive muscle relaxation. (CL)

Seychelles Integrated Science (SIS), a 3-year laboratory-based science program for students (ages 11-15) in upper primary grades 7, 8, and 9, was developed from an extensive evaluation and modification of previous P7-P9 materials. This P8 SIS unit examines: (1) the role played by bones, muscles, and teeth and the importance of developing and…

Systematic desensitization using deep muscle relaxation was significantly successful in the reduction of math anxiety among preservice elementary teachers, but it did not affect their enjoyment of math or their perceptions of its value. Math anxiety was shown to be related to a more globally defined notion of anxiety. (SB)

Reviews behavioral and psychological concepts currently applied to the assessment and treatment of chronic pain syndromes, including operant conditioning and psychophysiologic concepts such as the stress-pain hypothesis, the pain-muscle spasm-pain cycle, and the neuromuscular pain model. Discusses relaxation and biofeedback training and concepts…

A within-subjects, three condition design was employed to examine the effects of three relaxation techniques on blood pressures, pulse rates, and self-report measures of relaxation for 12 college students. Respiratory Manipulation Training incorporated instructions to exhale and not to inhale for as long as possible. When breathing could no longer…

Assigned 40 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to stress inoculation training (SIT), which included cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and progressive deep-muscle relaxation training adapted for MS patients, or current available care (CAC), which provided the usual clinic services. The SIT group was significantly less depressed, anxious and…

The cognitive behavioral approach to weight maintenance assumes that obese people should be concerned with weight control rather than weight loss, and it embraces both the behavioral approach and a maintenance program which examines risks, value priorities, and the basic principles of weight loss/weight gain. The University of Maryland offers a…