Differential effects of relaxation techniques on anxiety: A meta-analytic review in Spain

In this paper the results of a metaanalytic review about the effectiveness of relaxation techniques on anxiety problems are presented. A total of 14 independent primary studies carried out in Spain from 1980 to 1996 were localised. The effect size index selected to integrate the study outcomes was the standardised mean difference, d, achieving an average value of d+ = 0.931. The results do not showed statistically significant differences among different relaxation techniques, although higher results were obtained when several relaxation techniques were combined (autogenic training and progressive relaxation, progressive relaxation and biofeedback). The mean effect size for state-anxiety (d+ = 1.126) stand out against trait-anxiety (d+ = 0.932) and general anxiety (d+ = 0.930). Finally, the implications of results to future research are discussed.