A factor analytic study of the acceptance of relaxation through Dohsa Training (psychological rehabilitation training)

Abstract

This study was designed to identify factors which contribute to the acceptance of relaxation. Using the Dohsa Training technique, each of 58 female undergraduate students was given a relaxation procedure applied to the trunk and back. Following this relaxation procedure, subjects were asked to complete a 20 item questionnaire in which a five point rating scale served as an index of the degree of acceptance of relaxation. Factor analysis of the results led to identification of the following three factors: (I) psychological acceptance of the experimental situation ; (II) differentiated and integrated bodily awareness ; and, (III) feeling of generalized relaxation. A comparison of the factor scores of training and non-training experienced subjects revealed higher scores for the former on Factors I and II. On the other hand, non-training experienced subjects scored higher on Factor III. In addition, the difference in factor scores between concentrated and non-concentrated subjects indicated that volitional concentration on the relaxation process is in-disnensable for reorganizing self body-image. © 1987, The Japanese Psychological Association. All rights reserved.