Hypertension : a comparative study of self-regulation strategies

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Authors
Slaughter, E. Jane
Advisor
Zimmerman, Jay S.
Issue Date
1984
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Thesis (Ph. D.)
Department
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Abstract

The present investigation compared the effectiveness of an autogenic feedback strategy and a Yoga-meditation strategy on the self-regulation of blood pressure. These strategies were compared with each other and with two control groups. Data were obtained from 19 males and 21 females on: 1) baseline and end of treatment pre-practice systolic blood pressure; 2) baseline and end of treatment pre-practice diastolic blood pressure; 3) baseline and end of treatment Medication Index; and 4) baseline and end of treatment Severity Index.It was anticipated that if there were an overall difference between group means on any of the dependent measures, the differences would occur between 1) the autogenic feedback strategy andthe control conditions, and 2) the Yoga-meditation strategy and the control conditions.A univariate analysis of variance was performed on the baseline data to insure that the groups were not statistically different at the start of treatment. A univariate analysis o variance was performed on the end of treatment data.The findings revealed that neither treatment strategy was more effective than the other, or more effective than the control groups at the end of treatment. The analysis of variance was performed on pre-practice measures which reflect "walking around" blood pressure comparable baseline measures. Even though there were moderate reductions in all four groups on pre-practice blood pressure levels and on the Medication and Severity Indices, the differences between groups were not significant. The validity and generalizability of these findings were discussed in light of previous research. Recommendations for further research were made.