Behavioural relaxation training: explorations with adults who are mentally handicapped

Abstract

Behavioural relaxation training is a recently developed method to help individuals cope with their anxiety. The present study describes its use with adults who are mentally handicapped. Three case studies are presented to illustrate its successful implementation.

A randomised controlled trial on evaluation of the clinical efficacy of massage therapy in a multisensory environment for residents with severe and profound intellectual disabilities: a pilot study

“…Most literature has that suggested appropriate use of relaxation could reduce challenging behaviours (Chan et al 2010;Deakin 1995;Lindsay & Baty 1986;Schilling & Poppen 1983). Relaxation generally means 'unspecified states of psychophysical easing of tension or resting' or just 'absence of tension' (Kokoszka 1992, p.4).…”

Short‐term generalised effects of relaxation training on adults with moderate and severe mental handicaps

“…Over the past few years there has been an increasing interest in assessment and treatment of emotion for people with mental handicaps (Helsel and Matson, 1988;Kazdin, Matson, and Senatore, 1983;Lindsay, 1987;Michie and Lindsay, 1988). This increase in interest has led to the development of treatment techniques for alleviating their emotional problems Matson, Dettling, and Senatore, 1980).…”

“…In a detailed analysis of the effects of APR, Lindsay and Baty (1986a) found that some people with a moderate or severe mental handicap may benefit from this type oftraining, but that such benefits may be obscured in a group study because of the negative effects which APR has on certain other individuals. Specifically, some people seemed to construe APR as an active game and, as a result, found the procedure to be exciting rather than relaxing.…”

Adaptation of the Zung self‐rating anxiety scale for people with a mental handicap*

“…Lindsay (1987) has argued this point and Lindsay et al (1988) have demonstrated development of such a self-assessment for mentally handicapped people. The present authors' work on anxiety and phobia in mental handicap (Lindsay & Baty, 1986a, 1986b) has led to an interest in adapting one of the standard anxiety assessments for use with this client group. The Zung self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) (Zung, 1971) has been widely used in the assessment of generalized anxiety and treatment effects (Durham & Turvey, 1987;Lindsay et al 1987;Woodward & Jones, 1980 The adaptation has borne one main issue in mind.…”