Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training on Trait Anxiety

Abstract

To measure the effects of progressive muscle relaxation training on trait and state anxiety of 27 college students enrolled in a class intended for stress reduction the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale was administered prior to and immediately after training. Pulse rates and peripheral skin temperatures were measured for each student prior to and after training. A significant decrease was evidenced in trait anxiety scores after training. A significant drop was found in pulse rates and a significant increase found in skin temperature responses immediately following training.