Data Cart

Your data extract

0 variables
0 samples
View Cart
RELRELAXYR
Used progressive relaxation, past 12 months
Return to Relaxation Technique - General variables list

Codes and Frequencies



Can't find the category you are looking for? Try the Detailed codes

Description

RELRELAXYR reports whether the person had used progressive relaxation in the past 12 months. Please see the Comparability and Universe Tabs for important information on changes to the universe of this variable over time.

Relaxation techniques were one of many alternative health treatment modalities included in the Complementary and Alternative Health Supplement. In some years, if sample respondents gave a positive response to RELRELAXYR they were asked a series of follow-up questions.

Definitions 

The 2002 Field Representative's Manual says that progressive relaxation:

involves the successive tensing and relaxing of each of the 15 major muscle groups. Performed lying down, one generally begins with the head and progresses downward, tensing each muscle as tightly as possible for a count of five to ten and then releasing it completely. Often combined with deep breathing, progressive relaxation is particularly useful for reducing stress, relieving tension, and inducing sleep.

This definition was not routinely shared with respondents.

The 2007 and later Field Representative's Manuals provide a truncated definition:

Progressive relaxation is used to relieve tension and stress by systematically tensing and relaxing successive muscle groups.

Beginning in 2007, field representatives were advised to "feel free to offer [this definition] even if the respondent has not requested [it]."

Comparability

Aside from slight changes in universe and question wording, this variable is comparable over time.

Sample Adults
In 2002, 2007 and 2012, sample adults 18 and older were asked whether they had ever used relaxation or stress management techniques, or meditation, guided imagery, or progressive relaxation (in 2012) (RELAXEV). If they indicated that they had ever used relaxation techniques, they were then asked whether they had used progressive relaxation in the past 12 months. In 2017, sample adults 18 and older were asked whether they used progressive relaxation in the past 12 months without being first asked if they had ever used relaxation techniques.

Sample Children
In 2007, sample children were added to the universe for this question. In 2012 only, the sample child universe was restricted by if the sample child had ever used progressive relaxation (RELRELAXEV). In 2007, respondents for sample children under 18 were asked about relaxation techniques and in 2012 and 2017, respondents for sample children age 4 and older were asked about relaxation techniques.

Universe

  • 2002: Sample adults age 18+ who have ever used progressive relaxation for their health.
  • 2007: Sample adults age 18+ who have ever used progressive relaxation and sample children under 18.
  • 2012: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children age 4+ who have ever used progressive relaxation.
  • 2017: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children age 4+.

Availability

  • 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017

Weights