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Personality and relaxation therapy: changes among clinical and normal subjects
1School of Human Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Group relaxation programs effectively improved mental health for stressed and non-stressed adults. Participants reported reduced anxiety and neuroticism, with personality changes observed post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Growing interest in self-referral stress management programs.
- Limited data on client personality profiles and changes in group relaxation settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate personality traits and changes in symptomatic and asymptomatic adults attending group relaxation.
- To assess the impact of a 10-session group relaxation program on mental health and personality.
Main Methods:
- 255 adults completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory, Health Locus of Control, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
- Data collected at intake and 1-month follow-up for a university-based group relaxation program.
Main Results:
- Symptomatic clients showed reduced anxiety, neuroticism, and increased extraversion post-program.
- Asymptomatic clients also reported decreased anxiety and neuroticism.
- Age correlated significantly with certain personality scores; sex differences noted in health locus of control.
Conclusions:
- Group relaxation is effective in improving mental health scores for both stressed and non-stressed adults.
- The program facilitated positive shifts in personality and anxiety levels.
- Age is a relevant factor in personality changes associated with relaxation interventions.