Effectiveness of anxiety reduction interventions on test anxiety: A comparison of four techniques incorporating sensory modulation

Abstract

Introduction Anxiety is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders on post-secondary campuses, often brought on by stressors unique to the college environment. Traditional psychological approaches to manage anxiety might focus on breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation. However, additional techniques that use specific sensory input to reduce anxiety have not received the same attention in the literature. Method This longitudinal study compared four interventions for state anxiety (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, an adapted dive reflex, and use of a weighted lap object) in a cohort of professional occupational therapy students. Results This study found that all four interventions significantly reduced state anxiety. The sensory-based interventions of adapted dive reflex and weighted lap object appeared to have a longer duration of impact than the traditional interventions of deep breathing and PMR. Conclusion These results suggest that both traditional and sensory-based approaches may be effective in reducing anxiety before a testing situation.

Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Deep Breathing, and Guided Imagery in Promoting Psychological and Physiological States of Relaxation

“…Although the combined effects of multiple stress relaxation techniques may act in synergistic ways to bring about considerable additional relief above and beyond any single method, such studies are unable to isolate which contributing component is responsible for the effect. Other studies have been designed to directly compare the effectiveness of different stress relaxation techniques but, often, these studies [ 23 , 24 ] have examined unique populations (i.e., elderly oncology patients, pregnant women) or have not found consistent evidence of differences between stress relaxation techniques [ 7 ].…”

“…The routine is repeated until participants acquire complete relaxation. This technique utilizes the principles of neuronal “top-down” and “bottom-up” processing to achieve results [ 7 ]. In “top-down” processing, participants use areas higher in the nervous system like the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum to contract muscles and gradually release the tension.…”

“…Results of this study showed significant improvement following 45 minutes of training in quality of life and physical functioning after either of the three techniques were used. A study of undergraduates compared five minutes of deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to each other and other relaxation techniques such as the adapted dive reflex and the use of a weighted lap object for their effects on anxiety [ 7 ]. All of the separate techniques tested showed significant reductions in anxiety, but deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation techniques appeared to be responsible for the greatest amount of anxiety reduction.…”

The Relaxing Effect of Smart Bracelet on Heart Rate in Taekwondo Athletes Before Qualifying for Matches

“…There are many traditional psychological procedures to control anxiety and stress, such as breathing techniques and muscle relaxation. Besides, some techniques utilize sensory input to control their attention and reduce anxiety (4). Anxiety affects the autonomic nervous system and increases the heart rate through sweating (5).…”

Perfect sense: The case for sensationalising telephone interventions for people with alcohol and other drug issues

“…Incorporating supportive sensory inputs into the occupation has the benefits of rapid effect, low cognitive demand and minimal resource outlay [3,5,9,24,25]. Sensory inputs have been shown to decrease cravings [26], promote stress management [27,28] and improve task attention and efficiency [29]. Examples of using these during a telephone intervention include incorporating movement such as rocking in a chair or swinging in a hammock or swing, weighted items on the lap such as a lap pad or a heavy bag of rice and use of cool temperatures via a cold compress or fan.…”