"Self-concept change in behavior modification": Correction to Ryan, Krall, and Hodges

• Published in: Journal of consulting and clinical psychology Vol. 47; no. 3; p. 458
• Main Authors: Ryan, Victor L., Krall, Charles A., Hodges, William F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Psychological Association 01-06-1979
• Subjects: Human; Relaxation; Self-Concept; Systematic Desensitization Therapy; Test Anxiety
• ISSN: 0022-006X; 1939-2117
• DOI: 10.1037/h0078064

Reports an error in the article "Self-Concept Change in Behavior Modification" by V. L. Ryan et al (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1976[Aug], Vol 44[4], 638-645). On page 641, part of Table 1 is incorrect. Pretreatment means on the ideal self - perceived self measure should read 32.0, 37.1, and 32.2 for the systematic desensitization, relaxation only, and no-treatment control groups, respectively. Posttreatment means for the same measure should read 24.1, 29.8, and 31.0, respectively. Analyses and interpretation of results are correct as published.(The following abstract of this article originally appeared in record 1976-28421-001.) Studied changes in self-concept as a function of behavioral treatment for test anxiety. 72 test-anxious (Alpert-Haber Achievement Anxiety Test) undergraduates were randomly assigned to systematic desensitization (SD) relaxation-training only, or no-treatment control conditions. Levels of test anxiety, self-esteem, and self-ideal-self discrepancy are assessed prior to and following treatment. The SD and relaxation treatments were both effective in reducing test anxiety. Ss' ratings of satisfaction with treatment were equivalent in the 2 treatment conditions. SD Ss showed improvement in self-esteem and significant reductions in self-ideal-self discrepancies; however, Ss who received relaxation training only, or no treatment, did not change significantly. This differential effectiveness of the SD and relaxation procedures is discussed in terms of the beneficial effects of imagined successful coping. Comparisons of Ss' changes in test anxiety and in self-concept suggest that an explanation of change based on simple generalization of treatment effects would be sufficient. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)