Imagery encouragement absorption capacity, and relaxation during electromyograph biofeedback

This study focused on individual differences in subjects' capacities for absorption and examined the effects of instructions designed to encourage the use of imaginal processes during electromyography (EMG) biofeedback. Twenty-four high-absorption and 24 low-absorption subjects were assigned to either a biofeedback condition. Each subject participated in two sessions of testing. Results showed that instructional manipulation of imaginal strategies was effective in overcoming the previously observed interference effect of biofeedback for high-absorption subjects. For low-absorption subjects, performance in the two biofeedback conditions was equivalent and, by the end of each session, was appreciably greater than in the no-feedback condition. It was concluded that cognitive mediational strategies employed by subjects are closely related to performance during EMG biofeedback and that these strategies can be manipulated effectively in a manner that appreciably enhances the efficacy of EMG biofeedback as a relaxation.