NCJ Number
100061
Journal
Social Defence Quarterly Volume: 29 Issue: 75 Dated: (January 1984) Pages: 16-21
Date Published
1984
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A study using 105 delinquent boys ages 14-18 from the Chinglepet Approved School in India showed that the behavioral therapy techniques of deep muscle relaxation and systematic desensitization reduced anxiety.
Abstract
The 105 boys were randomly assigned to three groups, one control and two treatment. Anxiety was measured by Speilberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventories. Relaxation training was conducted with one group to make them aware of tensing and relaxing 16 muscle groups. These boys completed at least five sessions of 40 minutes each. In the desensitization group, hierarchy areas consisted of negative attitudes toward self, family, institution and its members, and society. Subjects were asked to imagine a disturbing scene from the lowest hierarchy while in a relaxation stage. If relaxation was disturbed, the subject had to stop the imagination and restore the relaxed feeling. Following this procedure, hierarchy items were presented until they caused no disturbances. Discussion, comic books, postcards, and praise provided incentives. Subjects in the relaxation training and systematic desensitization showed less anxiety on the Speilberger scales than the control group. Tables and 30 references.