Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

8-1987

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Psychology

Major Professor

Joel F. Lubar

Committee Members

Richard Saudargas, Robert Williams, Robert Wahler

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of autogenic training and the relaxation response on central nervous system activity using computerized spectral analysis of EEG activity. All subjects were first pretested on measures of EEG activity. The experimental group then practiced focusing attention on an internal, repetitive stimulus in the form of autogenic training exercises for fifteen ten-minute sessions in a quiet environment, while seated in a reclining chair. Experimental subjects were given instructions for passive relaxation and practiced the autogenic exercises in the home environment once a day. The control subjects experienced the same number of sessions under identical conditions except that they focused attention on a non- repetitive, external stimulus in the form of a pleasant radio show without practice in the home environment. All subjects were then postested on the same measures of EEG activity to assess the intrasession and intersession effects of autogenic training and the relaxation response on EEG activity. The results indicated significant intrasession differences between groups on measures of alpha and theta percent total power; the experimental group showed greater increases in theta and greater decreases in alpha percent total power. The results also indicated a significant correlation between changes in central and peripheral nervous system activity during autogenic training. No significant intersession differences were observed between groups in EEG activity in the non-autogenic state. The results of this study suggest that autogenic training and the relaxation response produce both significant intrasession changes in EEG activity and a characteristic spectral pattern; the results also suggest that focusing attention on a repetitive, internal stimulus is a key element in Benson's relaxation response model. Potential applications of spectral analysis to clinical stress reduction training and the need for a revised conceptualization of the EEG are discussed.

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