Between autogenic training and progressive relaxation, which relies on autosuggestion to achieve relaxation?

• A. Progressive relaxation
• B. Autogenic training
• C. Mindfulness meditation
• D. Guided imagery

Answer: (B)

Autosuggestion is the self-generated cueing that autogenic training uses to bring about relaxation. By repeating a set of phrases that evoke sensations like warmth and heaviness in the limbs, the body’s autonomic nervous system is guided toward a relaxation response from within. That self-suggested focus on bodily sensations is what makes autogenic training the best fit for this question. Progressive relaxation, on the other hand, centers on intentionally tense-and-release sequences for muscle groups to reduce physical tension, rather than relying on self-directed verbal cues. Mindfulness meditation emphasizes nonjudgmental awareness of present-moment experience rather than autosuggestive phrases, and guided imagery relies on visualizing calming scenes rather than self-suggested bodily sensations.