Differential effects of the different Short Self-Applied Relaxation Therapy (SART) components on anxiety, activation and stress / Efectos diferenciales de los distintos componentes de la Relajación Breve Sugestiva Auto aplicada (RBSA) sobre la ansiedad, la activación y el estrés

Abstract Relaxation techniques have evidence-based support in the research community. However, not all relaxation techniques have the same effectiveness or generate the same states of relaxation. For this reason, indications should be established for each of them. Studies into Self-Applied Relaxation Therapy (SART) show that they can decrease anxiety, stress, blood pressure and craving. This study explores to what extent each SART component is responsible for the results found, which is the most appropriate depending on the target variable to be controlled and whether any of the components are dispensable. Ninety-three university volunteer students participated in the study, aged between 18 and 45; 81.70% were female. Results showed that each of the components had similar efficacy and paradoxical effects on certain participants (8% to 26%). From a clinical perspective, this study concludes that SART can be adapted to the user, and a specific combination of components should be designed for each patient.