Relaxation Training in Children

Description of the Strategy

Relaxation training (RT) refers to a variety of techniques and procedures used to reduce stress-related behavioral or physiological problems in children. Hypothesized to decrease both emotional and somatic reactions to stress, RT is often classified as an emotion-focused coping strategy, in contrast to more problem-focused strategies geared toward resolving and managing stressful events. Two of the more common variants of RT used with children are progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and imagery-based relaxation (IBR).

Conceptualized as a sensory approach to relaxation, PMR attempts to directly influence somatic reactions to stress by helping children identify their own bodily sensations associated with tension and consciously relax muscles of the body on demand. To facilitate the recognition of stress-related bodily states, PMR incorporates ...