EFFECTS OF RELAXATION TRAINING ON FEAR AND AROUSAL DURING IN-VIVO EXPOSURE TO A CAGED SNAKE AMONG DSM-III-R SIMPLE (SNAKE) PHOBICS

Eight pairs of DSM-III-R snake phobic subjects (Ss) were exposed to a caged snake while seated in front of a package-conveyor apparatus duri ng eight 4-minute trials. Heart rates and skin-conductance levels were recorded before and during each of the eight trials. Self-reports of fear were obtained after each trial. One S in each pair controlled the conveyor on alternating trials. One subject (S) in each pair had rece ived a representative regimen of relaxation training beforehand. Heart -rate decreased more in Ss controlling the conveyor than in their yoke d partners. Ss who had received relaxation training showed lower heart -rate change, lower skin-conductance change, and lower self-reports of fear after the exposure trials. Relaxed Ss also moved the snake close r to themselves than did unrelaxed subjects on some trials.