Progressive Relaxation is described as:

• A. A strategy for immediate exposure to feared stimuli.
• B. A technique to increase the ability to control stress by gradually relaxing.
• C. A form of reinforcement by rewarding small steps.
• D. A method of self-instruction to manage behavior.

Answer: (B)

Progressive relaxation is a relaxation technique that helps you gain control over stress by learning to systematically tense and then release tension in muscle groups, gradually guiding the body from a calmer, more relaxed state. By focusing attention on the contrast between tension and release and moving through the body step by step, you build increased awareness of bodily tension and develop a reliable method to reduce arousal when stress hits. This gradual, controlled approach directly targets physiological signs of stress and equips you with a voluntary way to manage them. It isn’t about exposing you to fears, rewarding small steps, or using self-instruction aimed at behavior change—the emphasis here is on reducing physical arousal through controlled relaxation.