Book Description
An anxiety desensitization method is presented which counters over-arousal through strenuous muscle stretch-tense, deep breath, release-relax and positive suggestion sequences; and uses positive adaptive images to replace negative cognitions and to promote confidence. The addition of the stretch-tense and positive images components are expected to expedite and to strengthen the desensitization process. Physiological activity counters physiological tension but is robust and cannot be inhibited by anxiety, thereby enabling the procedure to use a steeper anxiety gradient and to move through the scenes more rapidly. Adaptive images and attitudes are used to provide a more credible counter to anxiety than simple relaxation, and to build confidence toward the stressful situations. Five exploratory studies were conducted involving 96 intervention subjects and 52 controls. One to two hours of interventions with the exertion plus positive images interventions were found to produce substantial anxiety-reduction benefits comparable to lengthier methods. Methodological limitations are noted for several of the samples. (Contains 1 table.) [This paper was also presented at the Annual American School Counselor Association Convention (Orlando, Florida, June 27, 2005).].
