On the use of progressive relaxation in the treatment of bulimia: A single-subject design study

Abstract

Mizes and lohr (1983) in a single‐case design, found that progressive relax‐ ation implemented during the urge to binge (coping relaxation) reduced bingelpurge episodes. However, attribution of the source therapeutic change to relaxation was somewhat ambiguous due to the confounding of treatment order effects and the concurrent use of a self‐reinforcement treatment. In ad‐ dition to addressing these issues, the present study sought to investigate the utility of general relaxation and to assess effects on binge urges as well as bingelpurge episodes. In a single‐subject design (A‐B‐BC) study, general daily relaxation resulted in a reduction of 46% in binge urges and 52% in binges, as compared to baseline. General relaxation and coping relaxation resulted in reductions from baseline of 55% and 64%, respectively. Clinical signifi‐ cance and research implications are discussed, as well as data supportive of the negative affect model of bingeing and purging.

The Psychology of Bulimia Nervosa

“…Linden (1980) used a combination of meal planning, stimulus control techniques, and alternative responses. Two studies used relaxation (Mizes & Fleece 1986;Mizes & Lohr 1983), although not with great or lasting benefits. The main goals, features and strategies of behavioural treatments are summarized in Table 10.8.…”

The Psychology of Bulimia Nervosa

“…Linden (1980) used a combination of meal planning, stimulus control techniques, and alternative responses. Two studies used relaxation (Mizes & Fleece 1986;Mizes & Lohr 1983), although not with great or lasting benefits. The main goals, features and strategies of behavioural treatments are summarized in Table 10.8.…”

Hypnotizability, dissociation, and bulimia nervosa.

“…Holgate (1984) used hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral treatments to rehearse adaptive eating behaviors, increase self-esteem, and manage stress. One bulimic patient with a long history of trichotillomania was successfully treated with hypnosis and behavior modification techniques (Hall & McGill, 1986), and the binge-purge behavior of another was reduced by more than half by relaxation (Mizes & Fleece, 1986). In all of these cases, hypnotic suggestions were seen as enabling patients to relax, gain control over dissociation, manage the difficult emotions that often precede a binge episode, and rehearse new eating behaviors.…”

The Psychology of Bulimia Nervosa

“…Linden (1980) used a combination of meal planning, stimulus control techniques, and alternative responses. Two studies used relaxation (Mizes & Fleece 1986;Mizes & Lohr 1983), although not with great or lasting benefits. The main goals, features and strategies of behavioural treatments are summarized in Table 10.8.…”

Hypnotizability, dissociation, and bulimia nervosa.

“…Holgate (1984) used hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral treatments to rehearse adaptive eating behaviors, increase self-esteem, and manage stress. One bulimic patient with a long history of trichotillomania was successfully treated with hypnosis and behavior modification techniques (Hall & McGill, 1986), and the binge-purge behavior of another was reduced by more than half by relaxation (Mizes & Fleece, 1986). In all of these cases, hypnotic suggestions were seen as enabling patients to relax, gain control over dissociation, manage the difficult emotions that often precede a binge episode, and rehearse new eating behaviors.…”

The Psychology of Bulimia Nervosa

“…Linden (1980) used a combination of meal planning, stimulus control techniques, and alternative responses. Two studies used relaxation (Mizes & Fleece 1986;Mizes & Lohr 1983), although not with great or lasting benefits. The main goals, features and strategies of behavioural treatments are summarized in Table 10.8.…”

Hypnotizability, dissociation, and bulimia nervosa.

“…Holgate (1984) used hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral treatments to rehearse adaptive eating behaviors, increase self-esteem, and manage stress. One bulimic patient with a long history of trichotillomania was successfully treated with hypnosis and behavior modification techniques (Hall & McGill, 1986), and the binge-purge behavior of another was reduced by more than half by relaxation (Mizes & Fleece, 1986). In all of these cases, hypnotic suggestions were seen as enabling patients to relax, gain control over dissociation, manage the difficult emotions that often precede a binge episode, and rehearse new eating behaviors.…”