Relaxation training tapes: preferences and effects of gender and background

Relaxation training tapes vary in voice gender and background, but little has been published regarding the preferences and effects of these parameters. Four classes, totalling 40 male and 36 female undergraduates, listened to parts of two commercially available sets of relaxation tapes. Both sets offered progressive relaxation and autogenic training in a choice of a male or a female voice. One set also provided a musical and environmental background. Tape segments were randomly assigned to the classes and balanced for gender and background. Subjects indicated a preference for the female voices. In addition, there was a significant association between sex of subject and voice gender preference, with males preferring female voices and females preferring male voices. However, the choices of the "best" tapes and actual ratings of relaxation indicated no significant voice-gender preferences associations. Preferences for the facilitating effects of the tapes with musical and environmental backgrounds were reflected in significant preferences for tape sets, tape choices, and relaxation ratings. The clinical implications and limitations of these findings were discussed.