Open AccessRelaxation Covert Rehearsal for Adaptive Functioning in Fourth-Grade Children
Author(s) -
Sheila Fling,
Patricia Elstad Black
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
psychology and human development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2537-950X
DOI - 10.2224/sbp.6320
Subject(s) - spelling , covert , psychology , active listening , relaxation (psychology) , reading (process) , audiology , test (biology) , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , social psychology , medicine , linguistics , psychotherapist , paleontology , philosophy , biology
In a sample of 162 fourth graders, 62 of the 70 most active and problematic—as identified by teacher ratings—were randomly assigned to relaxation/covert rehearsal, story listening, and waiting list groups. Children were evaluated before and after a 6-week treatment of 2 group sessions per week and again 4 months later, after the waiting list had also received relaxation/covert rehearsal training. Evaluations included teacher and parent ratings on the Abbreviated Behavior Scale–Form B and Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory; grades in mathematics, reading, spelling, and language arts; a spelling achievement test; and "blind" classroom observations and electromyographic measures. Little significant evidence was obtained for the efficacy of group relaxation/covert rehearsal, or story listening in improving adaptive functioning. Previous reports of more positive results with children's relaxation training may be spurious owing to the use of less rigorous controls.