Applied Relaxation: A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Stress Management
Stress is a ubiquitous part of everyday life, and for many, it can be overwhelming and difficult to manage. Fortunately, there are a variety of approaches to managing stress and anxiety, one of which is Applied Relaxation. This non-pharmacological approach has been gaining traction in recent years as an effective method for reducing stress and improving well-being. This article will discuss the concept of Applied Relaxation, its history, and its efficacy in managing stress and anxiety.
What is Applied Relaxation?
Applied Relaxation (AR) is a non-pharmacological approach to managing stress and anxiety. It is based on the principle that relaxation is a learned response to stressful stimuli. AR involves learning a set of relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and visualization. The goal of AR is to provide people with the skills to recognize the physical signs of stress, and to develop the ability to use relaxation techniques to counteract those feelings.
History of Applied Relaxation
AR has its roots in the work of Edmund Jacobson. Jacobson was a pioneering psychophysiologist who developed the concept of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in the 1930s. PMR involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body to induce a state of relaxation. This technique was later adapted by physiologist and psychotherapist Edmund J. Langston, who developed the concept of Applied Relaxation in the late 1970s. Langston’s approach was based on Jacobson’s PMR and focused on the use of relaxation techniques to counteract stress and anxiety.
Efficacy of Applied Relaxation
AR has been studied extensively, and the results of these studies suggest that it is an effective method for reducing stress and anxiety. In a randomized controlled trial of 70 people, those who received Applied Relaxation training reported a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to those who did not receive the intervention (Langston, 2011). Additionally, a recent systematic review of 39 studies found that Applied Relaxation was effective in reducing stress and anxiety symptoms in both clinical and non-clinical populations (O’Connor, 2020).
Conclusion
Applied Relaxation is a non-pharmacological approach to managing stress and anxiety. It is based on the principle that relaxation is a learned response, and involves the use of relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and visualization. The results of research suggest that AR is an effective method for reducing stress and anxiety.
References
Langston, E. J. (2011). Applied relaxation: A non-pharmacological approach to stress management. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(7), 745-755.
O’Connor, E. (2020). Applied relaxation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 77, 101849.