Progressive Muscle Relaxation, breathing exercises, and ABC relaxation theory

This study compared the psychological effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxat ion (PMR) and breathing exercises. Forty-two students were divided randomly into two groups and taught PMR or breathing exercises. Both groups practic ed for five weeks and were given the Smith Relaxation States Inventory befo re and after each session. As hypothesized, PMR practitioners displayed gre ater increments in relaxation states (R-States) Physical Relaxation and Dis engagement, while breathing practitioners displayed higher levels of R-Stat e Strength and Awareness. Slight differences emerged at Weeks 1 and 2: majo r differences emerged at Weeks 4 and 5. A delayed and potentially reinforci ng aftereffect emerged for PMR only after five weeks of training-increased levels of Mental Quiet and Joy. Clinical and theoretical implications are d iscussed. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.