Purpose Relaxation is used to treat multiple physical and mental health conditions. However, with 17% to 53% of adults reporting relaxation-induced anxiety (RIA), relaxation treatments may not be suitable for all individuals. Indeed, RIA is associated with poor treatment outcomes (e.g., increased panic attack frequency). Therefore, understanding the characteristics of and reasons for the fear of relaxation will help determine how to administer relaxation treatments safely and appropriately. This study used a mixed methods approach to examine predictors and explanations for RIA.
