Which statement about somatic techniques is most accurate?

• A. Breathing techniques, PMR, and biofeedback all aim to reduce somatic anxiety
• B. Only PMR reduces somatic anxiety
• C. Breathing techniques increase arousal
• D. Biofeedback is ineffective for anxiety

Answer: (A)

Somatic techniques target the physical signs of anxiety to reduce overall arousal. Breathing techniques help by slowing and regulating respiration, which lowers sympathetic activation and promotes a calming state. Progressive muscle relaxation works by tensing and releasing muscle groups to reduce muscle tension and bodily arousal. Biofeedback gives real-time information about physiological processes, teaching a person to lower those arousal signals through learned control. Because all three directly influence bodily responses that accompany anxiety, they all aim to reduce somatic anxiety.

Breathing techniques don’t increase arousal; they are used to decrease it. PMR isn’t the only method that helps with somatic anxiety—breathing techniques and biofeedback also contribute. Biofeedback isn’t ineffective; it provides feedback that helps people learn to control physiological responses associated with anxiety.