Journal of clinical psychology
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Evaluated the comparative effectiveness of frontalis electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback, a primarily somatic intervention, and stress inoculation, a self-instructional form of cognitive-behavior therapy. Both treatments were compared with a waiting list control group on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, and the Teaching Anxiety Scale (N = 24). ⋯ The untreated control group regressed somewhat across all measures. It was proposed that each treatment may have specific effects that might suggest which treatment would be indicated for a particular client.
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Assessed the effects of particular treatment combinations of relaxation training, temperature, and EMG biofeedback on state-trait anxiety, symptom report, and self-concept. The four groups received one of the following sequences: (a) relaxation training, temperature, and EMG biofeedback; (b) temperature, EMG biofeedback, and relaxation; (c) temperature followed by EMG biofeedback; (d) EMG biofeedback followed by temperature. ⋯ Most substantial improvement occurred after 8 sessions, whereas little improvement was found after 16 sessions. Each group became increasingly homogeneous over time on all measures.
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Examined relationships between sex-role identification and Type A behavior. Based on Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) scores, Ss (N = 64) were categorized as Androgynous, Masculine, Feminine, or Undifferentiated; the extent of Type A behavior was assessed via the Behavior Activity Profile. ⋯ Also, Type A behavior correlated significantly with both the Masculinity and Femininity scales of the BSRI even though the scales themselves were statistically independent. It is suggested that identification with masculine but not feminine traits, while perhaps conducive to psychological health, may be dysfunctional in terms of long-term medical consequences.
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Compared progressive relaxation training (PRT), self-induced relaxation training (SRT), and a rest quietly (RQ) control condition on measures of tonic physiological arousal and phasic physiological and subjective reactions to fearful stimuli. The Mutilation Anxiety Questionnaire was used to identify 48 male and female participants for the two training assessment sessions. ⋯ An analysis of reported practice between sessions indicated a negative relationship between practice of relaxation skills and response to stressful tonic physiological arousal and attenuating subjective response to stressful stimuli. The interaction between the cognitive and physiological systems and its implication for therapy are discussed.