THE EFFECTS OF TRAINING IN RELAXATION AND SOCIAL SKILLS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHOSOMATIC DISEASES: A SINGLE-CASE RESEARCH DESIGN.

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the effects of training in relaxation and social skills for the treatment of psychosomatic diseases. Three independent variables were defined: quality of life, the severity, and the frequency of psychosomatic symptoms.  Two conditions were applied using a quasi-experimental methodology.  The design was A-B (training in relaxation), A-C (training in social skills), and A-BC (training in both, relaxation and social skills).  Twelve subjects were randomly distributed between the treatment arms.  All of them were students at the University of Costa Rica.  Their mean age was 22 years.The study protocol included two phases.  Each phase lasted 4 weeks.  The assigned treatment was applied during the first phase.  The second phase was a follow-up period.According to the results, the three types of interventions produced significant changes in the end points.  The quality of life improved, whereas the severity and the frequency of symptoms decreased.  Furthermore, the subjects also received a positive appraisal by their socially important persons.