Validation of the BASR relaxation technique for the control of craving, anxiety and stress in an experimental nicotine withdrawal set

Abstract

Anxiety, craving and stress are associated with a higher risk of recurrence and a success reduction of smoking cessation programs. Relaxation techniques are one oldie resources that psychology can bring to bear on these programs. The Brief Automated Suggestive Relaxation technique (BASR) is presented. Its design carries with it the idea of creating a brief and self-applied procedure which allows one to obtain results from the outset with minimum effort by both patient and therapist. This technique is confirmed within the multi-component program for smoking cessation as a confrontation resource for symptoms of anxiety/craving/stress deriving from quit smoking and nicotine Withdrawal Syndrome, its possible effectiveness was studied. There were 45 participants and all were smokers (average age of 43.91, 55.6% women), randomly divided in two groups: BASR condition (15 minutes relaxation session) or control condition (15 minutes rest session). Two standardized tests were used for the evaluation, the Anxiety-State scale (STAI-S) and the Differential Stress Inventory of Adjectives for the Study of Moods (IDDA-EA). An analogical qualification Scale of Smoking Desire was also used. In agreement with findings, a positive effect and the efficacy of the technique employed for the control of craving, anxiety and stress in smokers was corroborated.