Expectancy effects on relaxation instructions: physiological and self-report indices

Two sessions of relaxation instructions were administered under high and low expectancy conditions. Fifty-four college students scoring high on a self-report measure of anxiety served as subjects. Live and taped abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation instructions and a self-relaxation condition were equally effective in reducing within-session self-report and physiological indices of anxiety. High expectancy instructions led to greater reductions in heart rate than did low expectancy instructions. Factors controlling anxiety reduction during relaxation therapies are discussed.