Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation and well-being: Evaluating effectiveness with respect to mode of administration and gender.

Pages: 564-571
Akanksha Jayant Rajguru (Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health- Tata Institute of Social Sciences Chennai)
Garima Srivastava (Aryabhatta College Benito Juarez Marg New Delhi)

The study recognizes that people rely on technology and features available on smart-phones, special/custom devices and computers to easily access different psychological tools and techniques which can be used for relaxation as compared to professionals for psychological guidance. The current study focussed on assessing the effectiveness of Conventional Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation (C-JPMR) versus Technology aided Jacobson’s Muscle Relaxation (T-JPMR). It further assessed the gender differences associated with effectiveness of both these interventions. The study comprised a sample of 72 (n= 72; 36 females and 36 males) college students in the age group of 17- 25 years (36 for C-JPMR and 36 T-JPMR). The study was conducted in two segments for T-JPMR and C-JPMR respectively. Each segment had two phases; Phase 1 comprised of the pre-test administration of Warwick- Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) while Phase 2 involved purposive sampling using a preliminary test to control the extraneous variable (major life stressors), delivery of the intervention and post-test administration. The intervention in T-JPMR was administered electronically using an audio- visual medium and the intervention in C-JPMR was administered with psychological guidance. Both the phases were conducted in quick succession over 2 days. A pilot study* was conducted on 40 college students prior to the current study. The findings of the present study are indicative of C-JPMR being more effective than T-JPMR. However, no significant gender differences were found.