The Journal of Psychology
ISSN: 0022-3980 (Print) 1940-1019 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/vjrl20
Effects of Biofeedback on Muscular Tension in Selected Personality States Lisa A. Blue & F. Richard Blue To cite this article: Lisa A. Blue & F. Richard Blue (1979) Effects of Biofeedback on Muscular Tension in Selected Personality States, The Journal of Psychology, 101:1, 11-14, DOI: 10.1080/00223980.1979.9915045 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00223980.1979.9915045
Published online: 02 Jul 2010.
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Date: 06 November 2015, At: 20:19
Published as a separate and in The Jcrurnol of Psychology, 1979, 101, 11-14.
EFFECTS O F BIOFEEDBACK O N MUSCULAR TENSION I N SELECTED PERSONALITY STATES*
Downloaded by [Nanyang Technological University] at 20:19 06 November 2015
,Vorth Texas State University; and Mandala Hospital, Winston-Salem, ‘Vorth Carolina
LISA A. BLUEAND F. RICHARDBLUE’ SUMMARY The effects of electromyographic biofeedback on three selected personality states from the MMPI and one comparison group were investigated. Forty in-patients ( 2 8 males and 12 females) ranging in age from 15 to 5 2 in a psychiatric hospital were classified as manic, agitated, depressed, or designated as a comparison group, according to their MMPI scores and Gilberstadt and Duker’s assessment of personality. Fourteen sessions of electromyographic biofeedback were given each individual. Significant differences in EMG readings were found between the manic group and the comparison group, the agitated group and the comparison group, and between the agitated group and the depressed group during individual sessions. 1\30 significant differences were found when comparing total group means.
A.
INTRODUCTION
Since the early part of the twentieth century, various writers have suggested a relationship between muscle tension and certain aspects of personality (4). Shipman et al. (7) found an unexpected relationship between muscle action potentials (MAPS)and personality. Kempe (5) reported that personality types differed on the basis of their primary response in one of the physiological systems. Experimental studies support the hypothesis that there are distinct differences in muscle tension among individuals and that these differences tend to be maintained under varied conditions (4). Among psychologically maladjusted groups, frequent reports have been made of exaggerated skeletal muscular responses (4).Davidowitz et al. (1)
* Received in the Editorial Office on September 29, 1978, and published immediately at Provincetown, Massachusetts. Copyright by The Journal Press. I Requests for reprints should be sent to the second author at the address shown at the end of this article. 11
Downloaded by [Nanyang Technological University] at 20:19 06 November 2015
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JOURNAL O F PSYCHOLOGY
found MAPS greater in a neurotic group than a control group when asked to perform a simple motor task. Shipman et al. (7) found a depressive state was related to low bicep tension when compared with basal levels. They also found that people with hysterical tendencies had the lowest frontalis tension when compared with select psychiatric groups. Martin (6) found that dysthymics (anxious, depressed, or obsessional patients) were more tense than hysterics while psychotics showed higher EMG responses than normals. Gilberstadt and Maley (3) found a relationship between GSR and psychiatric diagnosis, especially that the presence of depression is associated with lower levels of activity.
B. 1.
METHOD
Subjects
Ss were 40 inpatients in a psychiatric hospital who were selected according to the assessment of personality based on Gilberstadt and Duker (2). Their basis for classification is as follows: a. Comparison group (n = 10). No elevation on the MMPI > 70 T. b . Manic group (n = 10). MMPI score on manic scale > 70 T and < 55 T on the MMPI depression scale. c. Depressive group (n = lo). MMPI score from 70 T-79 T on depression scale and < 40 T on mania scale, UY MMPI score from 80 T-89 T on the depression scale and < 50 T on the mania scale, or MMPI score > 100 T on the depression scale and < 60 T on the mania scale. d . Agitated group (n = 10). MMPI score > 65 T on the psychopathic scale and > 65 T on the paranoia scale. 2.
Procedures
The treatment phase lasted 14 days (with 24 hours between each session), and was composed of six tapes. Each S was given a schedule which designated a t what time he was to have individual biofeedback training. After the explanation of biofeedback, the first tape was played 10 to 15 minutes after the introduction had been given by the technician. EMG readings were recorded a t six minute intervals and a total of five EMG readings was recorded for each session. Three surface electrodes were attached to the frontalis muscles of each S and the EMG readings were recorded as D.C. microamps. Auditory clicks were used as the feedback measure. The tapes for the 14 sessions ran between 30 and 40 minutes and consisted of progressive muscle relaxation , soft music, autogenic training, and visual imagery training.
LISA A. BLUE A N D F . RICHARD BLUE
13
Downloaded by [Nanyang Technological University] at 20:19 06 November 2015
C. RESULTS A multivariate analysis of covariance, with the first EMG reading of each sessicm as the covariate, produced no significant results from the comparisori of total group means. Session by session comparison, by the same statistical procedures, produced significant differences between groups during sessions 6, 7, 12, and 14, Further analysis by means of Tukey's range statistic produced the following significant results: Session 6: manic vs. comparison ( F = 8.51, p < .05);Session 7: (a) agitated vs. comparison (F = 6.01, p < .05)and ( b ) agitated vs. depressed ( F = 4.60, p < .05);Session 12: manic vs. comparison ( F = 5.95, p < .05);Session 14: manic vs. comparison ( F = 7.29, p < .05). D.
DISCUSSION
The results of this investigation suggest that psychiatric groups do differ in their ability to decrease muscular tension. This adds to the importance of individual differences during consideration of the use of biofeedback training as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Specifically, manic and agitated groups were able to decrease EMG readings significantly more than the depressed or comparnson groups during specific individual sessions. Sessions which produced significant results occurred during the middle (6 and 7) or end (12 and 14) sessions. This finding seems to show that the effects of biofeedback are not significantly productive until a training effect has taken place. This could have been a reason why there were no significant differences between total group means. It might take five sessions before results can be seen when group comparisons are made. This study is only a beginning in view of the implications that individual differences hold for biofeedback training. If one knew that certain psychiatrically diagnosed groups differed in their ability to decrease EMG levels, then these biofeedback programs could be structured to meet the individual needs of tlie patient.
REFERENCES DAVIDOPIITZ, J . , BROWNE-MAYERS, A. N . , KOHL,R.,WELCH,L., & HAYES, R. An electromyographic study of muscular tension. J . of Psychol., 1955, 40, 85-94. 2 . GILBERS'I'ADT,H . , & DUKER, J. A Handbook for Clinical and Actuarial MMPI Interpretation. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1965. 3. GILBERSTADT, H.,& MALEY,M. GSR, clinical state and psychiatric diagnosis. J . Clin. Psychol., 1965, 21. 235-238. 4. GOLDSTEIN, I. B. Role of muscle tension in personality theory. Psychol. Bull., 1964, 61, 1.
413-425.
14
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY
KEMPE.J. E. An experimental investigation of the relationship between certain personality characteristics and physiological responses to stress in a normal population. Unpublished Doctoral dissertation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, 1956. 6 . MARTIN,I. Personality and muscle activity. Can. J. Psychol., 1958, 12, 23-30. 7 . SHIPMAN.W . G . , OKEN,D . , GOLDSTEIN,I. B . , GRINKER,R. R . , & HEATH,H . A. Study in psychophysiology of muscle tension: 11. Personality factors. Arch. Gen. Psyrhiat.. 1964, 11, 330-345.
Downloaded by [Nanyang Technological University] at 20:19 06 November 2015
5.
Mandala Hospital and Clinic 3637 Old Vineyard Road
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104
ISSN: 0022-3980 (Print) 1940-1019 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/vjrl20
Effects of Biofeedback on Muscular Tension in Selected Personality States Lisa A. Blue & F. Richard Blue To cite this article: Lisa A. Blue & F. Richard Blue (1979) Effects of Biofeedback on Muscular Tension in Selected Personality States, The Journal of Psychology, 101:1, 11-14, DOI: 10.1080/00223980.1979.9915045 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00223980.1979.9915045
Published online: 02 Jul 2010.
Submit your article to this journal
Article views: 2
View related articles
Citing articles: 1 View citing articles
Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=vjrl20 Download by: [Nanyang Technological University]
Date: 06 November 2015, At: 20:19
Published as a separate and in The Jcrurnol of Psychology, 1979, 101, 11-14.
EFFECTS O F BIOFEEDBACK O N MUSCULAR TENSION I N SELECTED PERSONALITY STATES*
Downloaded by [Nanyang Technological University] at 20:19 06 November 2015
,Vorth Texas State University; and Mandala Hospital, Winston-Salem, ‘Vorth Carolina
LISA A. BLUEAND F. RICHARDBLUE’ SUMMARY The effects of electromyographic biofeedback on three selected personality states from the MMPI and one comparison group were investigated. Forty in-patients ( 2 8 males and 12 females) ranging in age from 15 to 5 2 in a psychiatric hospital were classified as manic, agitated, depressed, or designated as a comparison group, according to their MMPI scores and Gilberstadt and Duker’s assessment of personality. Fourteen sessions of electromyographic biofeedback were given each individual. Significant differences in EMG readings were found between the manic group and the comparison group, the agitated group and the comparison group, and between the agitated group and the depressed group during individual sessions. 1\30 significant differences were found when comparing total group means.
A.
INTRODUCTION
Since the early part of the twentieth century, various writers have suggested a relationship between muscle tension and certain aspects of personality (4). Shipman et al. (7) found an unexpected relationship between muscle action potentials (MAPS)and personality. Kempe (5) reported that personality types differed on the basis of their primary response in one of the physiological systems. Experimental studies support the hypothesis that there are distinct differences in muscle tension among individuals and that these differences tend to be maintained under varied conditions (4). Among psychologically maladjusted groups, frequent reports have been made of exaggerated skeletal muscular responses (4).Davidowitz et al. (1)
* Received in the Editorial Office on September 29, 1978, and published immediately at Provincetown, Massachusetts. Copyright by The Journal Press. I Requests for reprints should be sent to the second author at the address shown at the end of this article. 11
Downloaded by [Nanyang Technological University] at 20:19 06 November 2015
12
JOURNAL O F PSYCHOLOGY
found MAPS greater in a neurotic group than a control group when asked to perform a simple motor task. Shipman et al. (7) found a depressive state was related to low bicep tension when compared with basal levels. They also found that people with hysterical tendencies had the lowest frontalis tension when compared with select psychiatric groups. Martin (6) found that dysthymics (anxious, depressed, or obsessional patients) were more tense than hysterics while psychotics showed higher EMG responses than normals. Gilberstadt and Maley (3) found a relationship between GSR and psychiatric diagnosis, especially that the presence of depression is associated with lower levels of activity.
B. 1.
METHOD
Subjects
Ss were 40 inpatients in a psychiatric hospital who were selected according to the assessment of personality based on Gilberstadt and Duker (2). Their basis for classification is as follows: a. Comparison group (n = 10). No elevation on the MMPI > 70 T. b . Manic group (n = 10). MMPI score on manic scale > 70 T and < 55 T on the MMPI depression scale. c. Depressive group (n = lo). MMPI score from 70 T-79 T on depression scale and < 40 T on mania scale, UY MMPI score from 80 T-89 T on the depression scale and < 50 T on the mania scale, or MMPI score > 100 T on the depression scale and < 60 T on the mania scale. d . Agitated group (n = 10). MMPI score > 65 T on the psychopathic scale and > 65 T on the paranoia scale. 2.
Procedures
The treatment phase lasted 14 days (with 24 hours between each session), and was composed of six tapes. Each S was given a schedule which designated a t what time he was to have individual biofeedback training. After the explanation of biofeedback, the first tape was played 10 to 15 minutes after the introduction had been given by the technician. EMG readings were recorded a t six minute intervals and a total of five EMG readings was recorded for each session. Three surface electrodes were attached to the frontalis muscles of each S and the EMG readings were recorded as D.C. microamps. Auditory clicks were used as the feedback measure. The tapes for the 14 sessions ran between 30 and 40 minutes and consisted of progressive muscle relaxation , soft music, autogenic training, and visual imagery training.
LISA A. BLUE A N D F . RICHARD BLUE
13
Downloaded by [Nanyang Technological University] at 20:19 06 November 2015
C. RESULTS A multivariate analysis of covariance, with the first EMG reading of each sessicm as the covariate, produced no significant results from the comparisori of total group means. Session by session comparison, by the same statistical procedures, produced significant differences between groups during sessions 6, 7, 12, and 14, Further analysis by means of Tukey's range statistic produced the following significant results: Session 6: manic vs. comparison ( F = 8.51, p < .05);Session 7: (a) agitated vs. comparison (F = 6.01, p < .05)and ( b ) agitated vs. depressed ( F = 4.60, p < .05);Session 12: manic vs. comparison ( F = 5.95, p < .05);Session 14: manic vs. comparison ( F = 7.29, p < .05). D.
DISCUSSION
The results of this investigation suggest that psychiatric groups do differ in their ability to decrease muscular tension. This adds to the importance of individual differences during consideration of the use of biofeedback training as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Specifically, manic and agitated groups were able to decrease EMG readings significantly more than the depressed or comparnson groups during specific individual sessions. Sessions which produced significant results occurred during the middle (6 and 7) or end (12 and 14) sessions. This finding seems to show that the effects of biofeedback are not significantly productive until a training effect has taken place. This could have been a reason why there were no significant differences between total group means. It might take five sessions before results can be seen when group comparisons are made. This study is only a beginning in view of the implications that individual differences hold for biofeedback training. If one knew that certain psychiatrically diagnosed groups differed in their ability to decrease EMG levels, then these biofeedback programs could be structured to meet the individual needs of tlie patient.
REFERENCES DAVIDOPIITZ, J . , BROWNE-MAYERS, A. N . , KOHL,R.,WELCH,L., & HAYES, R. An electromyographic study of muscular tension. J . of Psychol., 1955, 40, 85-94. 2 . GILBERS'I'ADT,H . , & DUKER, J. A Handbook for Clinical and Actuarial MMPI Interpretation. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1965. 3. GILBERSTADT, H.,& MALEY,M. GSR, clinical state and psychiatric diagnosis. J . Clin. Psychol., 1965, 21. 235-238. 4. GOLDSTEIN, I. B. Role of muscle tension in personality theory. Psychol. Bull., 1964, 61, 1.
413-425.
14
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY
KEMPE.J. E. An experimental investigation of the relationship between certain personality characteristics and physiological responses to stress in a normal population. Unpublished Doctoral dissertation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, 1956. 6 . MARTIN,I. Personality and muscle activity. Can. J. Psychol., 1958, 12, 23-30. 7 . SHIPMAN.W . G . , OKEN,D . , GOLDSTEIN,I. B . , GRINKER,R. R . , & HEATH,H . A. Study in psychophysiology of muscle tension: 11. Personality factors. Arch. Gen. Psyrhiat.. 1964, 11, 330-345.
Downloaded by [Nanyang Technological University] at 20:19 06 November 2015
5.
Mandala Hospital and Clinic 3637 Old Vineyard Road
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104
