Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Autogenic Training in Gerontopsychology Its Role in Developmental Intervention and Its Effects on Development-Related Cognitions and Emotions as well as Psychosomatic Complaints in the Elderly

This paper presents the results of two studies on the promotion of personal self-regulation of development, personal control over development and development-related emotions as well as generalized locus of control and psychosomatic well-being in the elderly using autogenic training (AT), a psychophysiological self-control method using self-inductions of physical and mental relaxation. Subjects were 120 adults aged 66-80 years. Study I had a randomized cross-over design with a waiting list group; Study II had a randomized cross-over design comparing the effects of introductory courses on autogenic training and of a general health education program. Each program phase continued for 8 weeks, with one small group meeting per week. Tests were conducted in both studies before program start, during mid-program, after total program, and 6 months after the end of the program. Data were gathered on development-related emotions, personal control over development, personal self-regulation of development, psychosomatic complaints, and generalized locus of control. The results point towards short-term as well as long-term effects of autogenic training on these variables. Possible applications of autogenic training in gerontopsychology are discussed as well as its role in developmental intervention and its references to the action-theory oriented perspective in developmental psychology.