Thesis submitted to the
FACULTY OF ARTS
UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY (COUNSELLING), 2006. / The present study investigated the effectiveness of Autogenic Training (AT), a relaxation technique, as a preventive measure against anxiety and as a technique to promote psychological well-being among students from the University of Zululand. Previous studies have shown that anxiety was prevalent among students on this campus. It was hypothesised that AT would decrease anxiety and increase psychological well-being.
A convenience sample and matched group design was used and it included an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group consisted of 11 postgraduate psychology students who received AT weekly for a period of 10 weeks. The control group comprised of a friend of each participant in the experimental group.
Questionnaires, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Scales of Psychological Weil-being, were administered to both groups prior to and immediately after the 10 weeks intervention. At the end of the study, participants from the experimental group were asked about their subjective experiences of AT and its benefits. The impact of AT was assessed by the difference in anxiety levels and psychological well-being before and after the intervention.
Data from the questionnaires were analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Participants' evaluations of their subjective experiences of AT were studied qualitatively. The results of the study showed a significant reduction
in anxiety within the experimental group over time. In addition, there were significant increases in Total psychological well-being and Environmental Mastery within the same group over time. On the other hand, between groups comparisons indicated that the participants receiving AT showed a statistically significant improvement in the subscale Positive Relations With Others.
The experimental group also reported additional benefits. These included improved sleep, a feeling of being in control, increased energy levels, clarity of thoughts, better control over emotions, deeper relaxation and improved self-awareness.
This study suggests AT as an effective self-help tool and coping mechanism. It is strongly recommended that the students and people in general make AT part of their mental health promotion life-style and use it to ward off anxiety.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uzulu/oai:uzspace.unizulu.ac.za:10530/136 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Hurgobin, Shalini |
| Contributors | Edwards, S.D. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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