Patterning of cognitive and somatic processes in the self-regulation of anxiety: Effects of meditation versus exercise

Gary E. Schwartz, Richard J. Davidson, Daniel J. Goleman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Davidson and Schwartz (1) have proposed a psychobiological analysis of anxiety that emphasizes the patterning of multiple processes in the generation and self-regulation of this state. The present article specifically reviews recent research on cognitive and somatic components of anxiety. A dual component scale which separately assesses cognitive and somatic trait anxiety is described and applied to the study of the differential effects of a somatic (physical exercise) and a cognitive (meditation) relaxation procedure. A total of 77 subjects was employed; 44 regularly practiced physical exercise and 33 regularly practiced meditation for comparable periods of time. As predicted, subjects practicing physical exercise reported relatively less somatic and more cognitive anxiety than meditators. These data suggest that specific subcomponents of anxiety may be differentially associated with relaxation techniques engaging primarily cognitive versus somatic subsystems. It is proposed that relaxation consists of (1) a generalized reduction in multiple physiological systems (termed the relaxation response by Benson) and (2) a more specific pattern of changes superimposed upon this general reduction, which is elicited by the particular technique employed. The data from this retrospective study need to be followed up by prospective studies to establish the precise mechanisms for these effects.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMeditation
Subtitle of host publicationClassic and Contemporary Perspectives
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages572-580
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781351506144
ISBN (Print)9780202362441
StatePublished - Jan 1 2017
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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