Studied the effect of autogenic training (autogenic suggestion) and breathing adjustment training given as self-control training on a task of decreasing skin conductance level. Human Ss: 41 normal male and female Japanese adolescents and adults (aged 16-58 yrs). Several 30-min self-control training sessions were conducted 1 wk apart for some Ss before biofeedback training that used skin conductance level as an indicator. The other Ss received biofeedback training without prior self-control training. (English abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

si è occupato del caso di psoriasi in una bambina di 11 anni. Nel caso descritto, il trattamento è stato condotto in combinazione con altre strategie psicoterapeutiche, dallo studio del contesto interrelazionale dei membri della famiglia, all’interpretazione in chiave psicodinamica di tale contesto.

Discusses the current status of hypnosis and relaxation techniques as psychotherapeutic aids. Regarding hypnosis, while new techniques and induction methods are constantly being developed, no new therapeutic applications have been discovered since the beginning of the 20th century and the indication for hypnosis remains very limited. Its chief application is still for the symptoms of psychosomatic disorders, to the extent that hypnosis can penetrate, and thus affect, conditioned reflexes or behaviors. The advantages and limitations of biofeedback, autogenic training, and progressive muscle relaxation are also examined. (0 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

Examined the effectiveness of additional autogenic training (AT), a psychophysiological self-control method using self-inductions of physical and mental relaxation, in the psychotherapy of 55 outpatients (aged 22-69 yrs) with depressive disorders. Ss were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: (1) Group A participated in 40 single psychotherapy sessions over a period Of 20 wks; (2) Group B learned AT in the 1st 10 wks and had 20 single psychotherapy sessions and AT practice in the 2nd 10 wks; and (3) Group C was the waiting-list control group in the 1st 10 wks and had 20 single psychotherapy sessions as well as AT learning in the 2nd 10 wks. Tests for depressive symptoms and psychosomatic complaints were given before the start of treatment, after 10 wks, 20 wks, 8 mo, and 3 yrs after the end of treatment. At both follow-ups, information was gathered on disease course, relapses, psychotherapy and medical treatments, as well as AT practice. Long-term follow-up shows that controlled and supervised use of AT before or in combination with psychotherapy had more positive effects than psychotherapy alone. Compared to Group A, Groups B and C resulted in significantly lower rates of relapse and treatment reentry and in significantly more stable positive treatment effects in the reduction of depression and psychosomatic symptoms at the 2nd follow-up. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

Presents 2 studies on the promotion of self-regulation and self-control over development and related emotions, as well as a generalized locus of control and psychosomatic well-being in the elderly using autogenic training (AT), a method of self-induced, psychophysiological relaxation. Study I with 60 Ss (aged 67-80 yrs) had a randomized cross-over design with a waiting list group; Study II with 60 Ss (aged 66-79 yrs) had a randomized cross-over design comparing the effects of an AT course vs a general health education program. Each program phase lasted 8 wks, with 1 group meeting per week. Tests were conducted pre-, mid-, and postprogram, and 6 mo after program completion. Results indicate significant short- and long-term effects of AT on development-related emotions, self-control over development, self-regulation of development, psychosomatic complaints, and generalized locus of control. Possible applications of AT in gerontopsychology, and its role in developmental interventions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)