Effects of Guided Imagery, Zikar Azkar, and Priming Technique on Stress and Relaxation Level Among University Students

This study was conducted to find out the effectiveness of the three relaxation techniques which are Guided Imagery, Zikar Azkar, and Priming Technique on coping with stress and on the relaxation state of an individual. The total sample included 51 university students in which each group had 17 female students. Smith Relaxation States Inventory 3 and Perceived Stress Scale were used to measure relaxation states and perceived stress levels of the participants. The Smith Relaxation States Inventory 3 has two subscales. The State Version (SRSI3) measures the current relaxation state of a person and the Disposition Scale (SRSI3d) evaluates how often individuals experience worries, stress, and negative emotions. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups. The questionnaires were administered before and after four weeks to the participants. The findings of the study showed that all the three relaxation techniques were effective in reducing stress, however, the results show that Zikar Azkar was more effective than Guided Imagery and Priming Technique. It was also found that Zikar Azkar was also effective in improving the relaxation state of individuals besides being more effective than Guided Imagery, and Priming Technique in reducing negative emotions and stress.