Previous studies have shown a relationship between desensitization/relaxation and anxiety reduction but have failed to investigate the effect on other personality variables. To determine the effects of desensitization/relaxation (SD/R) and transactional analysis (TA) on locus of control, anxiety, self-esteem, and achievement, 54 college students were assigned to either a SD/R or TA treatment group or a placebo group. Analyses of pre- and post-test scores on anxiety, self esteem, locus of control, and achievement scales indicated that a high level of anxiety was reduced significantly and a significant change from external to internal locus of control was found, irrespective of the experimental treatment received. Also, a low self-esteem was improved significantly through TA treatment. Results also revealed a significant improvement in achievement scores for the two experimental groups, but not for the control group. Thus, it appears that achievement is related to affective variables, and the educational and psychological growth of students are interdependent. (Author/JAC)