Biofeedback And Rational‐Emotive Therapy In The Management Of Migraine Headache

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/96754/1/jaba.1979.12-127.pd

Experimental variables in the effects of postsession injections of strychnine sulphate on a classically conditioned response

Postsession strychnine injections have been shown to retard acquisition rates of the classically conditioned nictitating membrane response (CCNMR) of rabbits trained at a CS-US interval of 1000 msec. The particular interval value employed in CCNMR acquisition was found to be important in the magnitude of the postsession strychnine effect. Strychnine Ss trained at a CS-US interval=1250 msec (nonoptimal) were significantly depressed in acquisition rates relative to saline controls, while strychnine Ss trained at a CS-US interval=250 msec (optimal) were not. Interpretations are based upon the presumed effects of CNS excitants on memory consolidation and possible neurological correlates of the CS-US interval parameter.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46356/1/213_2004_Article_BF00402096.pd

Physiological and psychological effects of acute intentional hyperventilation

Research is reviewed which suggests that hyperventilation syndrome is an underdiagnosed disorder for the presentation of many patients experiencing apparent anxiety states. In a test of this hypothesis, 21 normal individuals (9 female) underwent a 2 min period of intentional hyperventilation following a 10 min baseline phase. Hyperventilation was accompanied by increased subjective anxiety and tachycardia, and indications of peripheral vasoconstriction. Following hyperventilation, Ss experienced increased levels of state anxiety and perceived autonomic arousal, as indexed by self-report instruments. These results support the hypothesis that undiagnosed hyperventilatory phenomena may be etiologically implicated in states of pathologic anxiety.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/25018/1/0000445.pd

Relationships between Rational beliefs and anxiety

The relationships between rationality, as measured by the recently developed Rational Behavior Inventory (RBI), and several commonly used measures of anxiety are examined in both a general student sample (N = 144) and a clinically tested anxious sample (N = 34). Although differing aspects of rationality were related to anxiety for the two groups, consistent negative correlations were found between specific irrational beliefs and measures of test, state, and trait anxiety. The observed relationships of decreased rationality associated with increased levels of anxiety lend support to the theoretical basis of cognitive restructuring forms of therapy, and to the concurrent validity of the RBI.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44343/1/10608_2005_Article_BF01183895.pd

Biofeedback and progressive relaxation treatment of sleep-onset insomnia

Previous research suggests that self-defined insomniacs are distinguished from normals by high levels of anxiety and physiological arousal, which might be mitigated by muscle relaxation. This study assessed the relative effects of frontal EMG biofeedback, progressive relaxation, and a placebo set of “relaxation” exercises on the sleep of 18 onset insomniacs. Each subject was trained in one of these three methods for six half-hour sessions and slept in the laboratory for two consecutive nights before and after training. The experimental groups demonstrated significant decreases in physiological activity during training while changes in the control group were minimal. Reductions in sleep-onset time were: biofeedback group, 29.66 minutes; progressive relaxation group, 22.92 minutes; control group, 2.79 minutes. The experimental groups improved significantly ( p<.05 ) more than the control group, but did not differ from each other. No significant relationships between physiological levels and sleep-onset time were found, which suggests that muscle relaxation alone was not responsible for subjects' improvements. Since 20 minutes of daily practice were required to achieve an approximate 30-minute decrease in sleep-onset time, the practical utility of the methods is questioned.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44085/1/10484_2005_Article_BF01001167.pd

Discriminant and Concurrent Validity of Two Commonly Used Measures of Test Anxiety

For each of two groups of 34 and 71 undergraduate college students respectively categorized as clinically test anxious (CTA sample) and as non-test anxious (NTA sample), evidence was sought regarding the discriminant validity and the concurrent validity of each of two measures—the 20-item self-report Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) and the 8-item behavior analogue measure of test-taking performance entitled Anagram Solution Task. Normative information was also obtained for each measure to provide a basis for classifying students as being test anxious or as being non-test anxious. The statistical outcomes led to the conclusion that both the TAI and AST exhibit substantial discriminant validity, but relatively little concurrent validity. The creation of 90% confidence scoring intervals for each of the two measures shows considerable promise as a means for identifying students with differential levels of test anxiety. These instruments appear to afford a basis for both counseling and research purposes. Future directions in the assessment of test anxiety are discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/67405/2/10.1177_001316448204200428.pd

Autonomic correlates of the subjective anxiety scale

The subjective anxiety scale is an assessment tool commonly used in behavioral research and therapy to quantify verbal report to private events, usually states of fear. An investigation was undertaken to determine the extent of relationship between the subjective anxiety scale and two concurrent measures of autonomic arousal, peripheral vasoconstriction and heart rate. Measures were recorded during baseline, surgical film and second baseline phases for 20 subjects. The subjective and autonomic measures indicated increased anxiety during the film phase and significant correlations were found between subjective report of anxiety and the two physiological indices. The results support the continued use of the subjective anxiety scale as a clinical assessment tool. Practice and research implications are discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/24873/1/0000300.pd

Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment of Musical Performance Anxiety

This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a treatment approach for musical performance anxiety that combined progressive muscle relaxation, cognitive therapy, and temperature biofeedback training. Twelve competent pianists who complained of debilitating performance anxiety were randomly assigned to a treatment group; and eight subjects were placed on a wait-list control group. Following a six-week programme of group therapy, signifi- cant differences between pre- and post-measurements were observed for the treatment group in performance anxiety, and trait anxiety. The results suggest that it is possible to lower debilitating stage fright in performance- anxious musicians through a cognitive-behavioural treatment approach.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/69063/2/10.1177_0305735689171002.pd