Relaxation techniques potential for reduction of alexithymic subjects reaction to stressor

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the potential of progressive muscle relaxation and biofeedback relaxation in reducing psychophysiological reaction to an audiovisual stressor in individuals having alexithymia. 19 men and 71 woman aged between 18 and 30 were subjects of this study. The participants were randomly assigned into three different groups. Two groups received four relaxation training sessions (progressive muscle relaxation or biofeedback relaxation) once a week, between two measurements of their reaction to an audiovisual stressor. The third group was a control group. The identification of high and low alexithymia was based on the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Body temperature, skin conductance, heart rate and respiratory rate were recorded while measuring participants’ reaction to the audiovisual stressor. Progressive muscle relaxation was more effective for the subjects with high alexithymia in reducing their physiological reaction to an audiovisual stressor than biofeedback relaxation.