Visual-imagery : various muscle states effects on desensitization procedures and memory recall

The present study examined the effects of relaxation and tension on memory recall and desensitization procedures. Three conditions: relaxation, neutral and tension, each consisting of twenty college students, listened to a taped scenario and answered memory recall questions about what they had just heard. The subject's were also asked to rate the activity level and friendliness of the scenario. It was found that the relaxation condition subjects had significantly better memory recall than those in the neutral condition and the subjects in the neutral condition had significantly better memory recall than those in the tension condition. No significant differences were found among the activity level or friendliness ratings of the scenario. Implications were discussed.