Effects of relaxation on the anxiety, self-esteem, and performance levels of female intercollegiate cross-country runners

Abstract

This study examined the effects of relaxation techniques on the anxiety, self-esteem, and performance levels of 20 Ss from the Women's Cross-Country Team at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse over a 6 wk period. During the first three weeks, the entire 40 member team remained as one large group to establish standardization thus serving as their own control group. The team was then divided into a relaxation group and a mental imagery group. The STAI and SEI tests were administered before and after the 3 wk control period and then again after the 3 wk experimental period. A two way ANOVA with repeated measures was utilized to make comparisons between the two experimental groups and with the relaxation group itself. The significance of the change over time within the relaxation group was analyzed using the Scheffe post-hoc test. The null hypothesis not rejected in regard to the self-esteem or physical performance levels of the Ss in the relaxation group. The relaxation techniques caused a significant decrease P < .05 in the state and trait anxiety levels of the Ss. There was no significant difference P > .05 between the two experimental groups in reducing the state and trait anxiety levels or increasing the self-esteem levels of the Ss.