Personality changes induced by autogenic training practice

Abstract

Although autogenic training is a relaxation method not regarded as ‘psychotherapeutic’, it may induce psychotherapeutic personality changes. Study participants (N=60) had undertaken AT because they suffered from minor emotional problems caused by distress. All of them completed a series of inventories on two kinds of personality traits: a trait facilitating the stress response (anxiety) and traits moderating it (sense of personal control, barrier and Ego strength). The inventories were administered before the beginning of the course and after 8 months of constant practice at home. The results indicate a significant decrease in emotional distress signs and anxiety and a significant increase in the traits attenuating the stress response. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.