A Controlled Evaluation of Devotional Meditation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Authors

Charles R. Carlson, Wheaton CollegeFollow
Panayiota E. Bacaseta, Wheaton College
Dexter A. Simanton, Wheaton College

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of devotional meditation (DM), defined as a period of prayer and quiet reading and pondering of biblical material, on physiological and psychological variables related to stress. It was hypothesized that religious persons engaging in DM experience physiological and psychological changes similar to those reported for persons using progressive relaxation (PR) exercises. Thirty-six participants, equally divided by sex into 3 groups: DM, PR, and a Wait List Control, underwent extensive psychophysiological assessment prior to and following a systematic introductio to either DM or PR. The hypothesis that DM could generate positive physiological and psychological effects similar to PR was partially confirmed. The results of the study are discussed in terms of the unique spiritual resources inherent among a Christian population that might foster physiological and psychological relaxation.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1988

Repository Citation

Carlson, Charles R.; Bacaseta, Panayiota E.; and Simanton, Dexter A., "A Controlled Evaluation of Devotional Meditation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation" (1988). CRVAW Faculty Journal Articles. 166.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/crvaw_facpub/166