Flotation vs Chamber Rest A Comparison of Techniques and Their Differential Effects on Relaxation and Self Disclosure

Developing more or less simultaneously over the last thirty years, water immersion/floatation restricted environmental stimulation techniques (REST) and chamber REST, came to be recognized as two of the most effective methods of minimizing external stimulation to the physical senses. These two environments were compared in a controlled study of 36 male undergraduates, for indications of reduced blood pressure and reductions in self-reported stress. In addition, the participants were assessed for post-treatment differences in self-disclosure, or willingness to share personal information about themselves. Results indicated that for a single one hour session, individuals in the floatation environment achieved significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while individuals in both the chamber and classroom control, yielded non-significant changes. On self-reported stress, all three groups indicated significant reductions with no differences between groups. Finally, there were no significant differences on the Personal Sharing Questionnaire.