KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Journal of Personality and Psychosomatic Research (JPPR) 3041-8542 3 Serial Number 11 2025 07 01 The Effectiveness of Breathing and Relaxation Techniques on Somatic Tension and Trait Anger The Effectiveness of Breathing and Relaxation Techniques on Somatic Tension and Trait Anger 1 9 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.3.5 EN Journal Article 2025 05 04 <p>This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured breathing and relaxation intervention in reducing somatic tension and trait anger among Canadian adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants (15 intervention, 15 control) recruited from community and educational centers in Isfahan, Iran. The intervention group underwent ten 60-minute sessions over five weeks, incorporating diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery techniques. Assessments were conducted at pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up using the Pennebaker Inventory of Limbic Languidness (Muscle Tension Subscale) and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS-27. Significant main effects of time and group, as well as time × group interactions, were found for both somatic tension (F(2,56) = 36.71, p &lt; .001, η² = .58) and trait anger (F(2,56) = 27.43, p &lt; .001, η² = .49). Post-hoc comparisons revealed a significant reduction in somatic tension from pre-test to post-test (MD = 9.62, p &lt; .001) and from pre-test to follow-up (MD = 11.79, p &lt; .001). Trait anger also decreased significantly between pre-test and post-test (MD = 6.12, p &lt; .001), and between pre-test and follow-up (MD = 6.95, p &lt; .001), with sustained effects over time. Breathing and relaxation techniques are effective in reducing both somatic and emotional symptoms, with benefits persisting up to five months post-intervention. These findings support the integration of psychophysiological self-regulation practices into mental health and stress management programs as non-invasive and cost-effective strategies.</p> Breathing techniques Somatic tension Trait anger Relaxation therapy Randomized controlled trial https://journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/jppr/article/download/4260/7475