An examination of the effectiveness of a progressive relaxation imagery technique : for reduction of tension-anxiety and physical side effect distress in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy

In the present research, four cancer patients who were judged to be experiencing higher than normal levels of tension-anxiety were followed through a series of chemotherapy treatments, an effort was made to assess the levels of tension-anxiety and certain manifestations of side effect distress with both self report and clinical observation instruments. The primary purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a progressive relaxation imagery technique in reducing tension-anxiety, and secondarily, to test its effectiveness in reducing the level of distress associated with cancer chemotherapy treatment. On the basis of previous literature, it was hypothesized that the progressive relaxation imagery technique could be effective in reducing levels of tension-anxiety and secondarily, would contribute to a reduction in certain side effects associated with the cancer chemo-therapy. Time series visual analysis as well as statistical tests of significance were used to test the hypothesis of the study.

The results suggests that three of the four subjects experienced statistically significant reduction sin levels of tension anxiety with the use of the progressive muscle relaxation technique. One subject demonstrated no change in levels of tension-anxiety. Physical side effect distress was also reduced in three subjects however the reduction was much less dramatic then in the case of the reductions of tension-anxiety.

While external validity is limited because of the small number of subjects, this study supports the growing evidence suggesting the efficacy of the use of behavioral techniques In general and progressive relaxation techniques in particular for reducing levels of tension-anxiety and physical side effect distress in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy.