Relaxation training inhibits fear and arousal during in vivo exposure to phobia-cue stimuli

Journal of Behavior Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry. 30(3):155-68, Sep. 1999.
Two groups of subjects with a phobia to snakes were exposed to a caged snake in eight separate sessions. Measurements of various parameters were made including heart rate, skin conductance levels, distance between subject and snake, and self-reported fear intensities. Only one group received six sessions of progressive relaxation training prior to the trials. This group showed clear lessening of arousal and fear throughout the course of exposure.