Behavioral assessment of relaxation: the validity of a Behavioral Rating Scale

Poppen (Behavior Relaxation Training and Assessment, 1988) has developed an observational method of assessing the degree to which individuals show a relaxation response. Although promising, this method, the Behavioral Rating Scale (BRS), has yet to be thoroughly investigated. Subjects in this study were randomly assigned to a progressive relaxation training group or an attention-control group. Following a training period, subjects participated in a laboratory session in which self-report measures of relaxation were obtained, physiological measures were monitored, and behavioral observations were made using the BRS. Results supported the use of the BRS as a valid, observable measure of an individual's relaxation response. Discriminant validity was demonstrated by between-group differences on the BRS and construct validity was shown by significant correlations between changes on the BRS and changes on self-report and physiological measures. It is argued that, though alternative explanations are feasible, this study's results support the use of the BRS as an effective assessment tool when measuring an individual's response to progressive muscle relaxation.