Electrodermal reactions to opposite types of autogenic training imagery

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of autogenic and "opposite autogenic" verbal formulae upon electrodermal activity. In a between-subjects design, 15 unpracticed volunteers listened to and followed tape recorded imagery suggestions for relaxation and quietude, heaviness and warmth in the extremities, warmth in the central area of the body, coolness of the forehead, and calmness and regularity of breathing and circulation; 15 additional volunteers were exposed to opposite suggestions. Frequency of spontaneous GSRs, cumulative peak amplitude of spontaneous GSRs, and basal skin resistance levels were measured during 2 min epochs before and after the suggestions. Directionally appropriate changes occurred in all three electrodermal measures; these changes were significant for the two GSR measures and approached significance for the BSR measure. The autogenic suggestions produced greater and more reliable visceral effects than did the "opposite autogenic" suggestions.