Description

For sample adults in 1999, RELAXYR reports whether the person had used relaxation techniques in the past 12 months. The 1999 Field Representative's Manual defined relaxation techniques to "include meditation, deep breathing, and other techniques used to reduce stress tension," but this definition was not routinely shared with respondents.

In 1999, the NHIS questions dealing with the use of alternative health treatments were limited to whether the respondent had used any of a variety of such treatments, including relaxation techniques, in the past year. By contrast, the 2002 and 2007 surveys greatly expanded the scope of inquiry regarding alternative health treatments. For the full list of alternative health treatments covered in the NHIS, and for general background information about the 2002 and 2007 Alternative Health supplements, see ACUYR.

Although RELAXYR--which asks about the use of unspecified "relaxation techniques"--is only available for 1999, the 2002 and 2007 surveys provide variables related to the use of specific relaxation techniques, including meditation, deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, progressive relaxation, stress management classes, and support group meetings (see RELMEDYR).

Comparability

RELAXYR is only available for 1999.

Universe

Availability

• 1999

Weights

• 1999 : SAMPWEIGHT