Relaxation training as a technique for helping patients cope with the experience of cancer: a selective review of the literature

The experience of cancer places considerable physiological and psychological demands upon the patient. In recent years the potential benefits of relaxation training have generated widespread interest in both the lay and professional literature, particularly in the area of stress management. This paper examines the use of relaxation training as a method for helping patients cope with the experience of cancer and reviews a number of studies which have used progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in the oncology setting. Although these studies have produced some encouraging results, there are a number of issues which need to be addressed if future relaxation studies are to be useful for nursing practice, and these are discussed.