Studied the effects of autogenous training on precompetition anxiety in athletes competing in archery. Human subjects: 12 Italian adults (aged 19-41 yrs) (athletes). Six Ss received autogenous training during a 6-mo period, and 6 Ss served as controls. Anxiety was measured in both groups at a 6-mo interval, using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory by C. D. Spielberger et al (1970), Italian translation by R. Lazzari and Pancheri. Differences in state and trait anxiety in both groups were compared. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2004 APA, all rights reserved)

Investigated the impact of self-regulation on the actual genesis of human adaptation systems by exploring the limits of applicability of autogenic training (AT) at different adaptation phases in difficult continuous performance during 72 hrs of sleep deprivation. EEG, heart rate, and electrodermal activity were measured for 18 adults (aged 18-42 yrs) previously trained in relaxation techniques. Nine Ss received AT. Results show a stimulating effect of AT on performance stability. Indicators of visual acuity were stabilized, reaction times (RTs) to auditory signals were reduced and stabilized, and AT had a beneficial effect on memorization quality and cognitive image structure. (Czech & Russian abstracts) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

Discusses the applicability and efficacy of J.-H. Shultz's (1987) autogenic training (AT) technique in chronic pain syndromes without commensurate organic correlates. Based on self-hypnosis, AT enables the patient to project images of his/her body without depending on a physician, although it facilitates a structured and global management of the patient-physician relationship. From a psychopathological perspective, chronic pain sufferers are an extremely heterogeneous population, including pathological personalities, normal Ss caught in an existential crisis, and psychosomatic patients. In the proper medico-psychiatric context, AT involves no side effects and can lead to other effective complementary approaches to the problem. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

Studied the utility of a coping questionnaire in assessing the effectiveness of specific psychotherapeutic approaches in relation to improving patients' coping strategies. Human subjects: East Germans. The study sample included 2 groups of age-matched and sex-matched persons with neurotic disorders, with 1 group receiving personality-centered group psychotherapy and the other group receiving symptom-centered autogenic training. The Ss' coping styles were assessed before and 3 mo after their respective therapeutic interventions, and intergroup differences and changes in coping strategies were analyzed. Tests used: The COP II, a German-language coping questionnaire by V. Heinrich (1984). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)