The effects of cue control relaxation on adults with severe mental retardation.

The team worked with adults who have severe intellectual disability. They wanted to see if cue words could trigger relaxation.

First they taught full behavioral relaxation training. Then they paired a simple cue word with the calm state. Later they tested if the cue word alone could bring back the relaxed feeling.

The cue word only worked after it was paired many times with the full relaxation routine. Once that happened, adults stayed calmer and could pay attention longer.

Without the pairing step, saying the cue word did nothing.

Ortega (1978) tried a different style of relaxation—progressive muscle work—with adults who have cerebral palsy. Both studies show relaxation training helps adults with disabilities, but the 1994 paper adds the cue-control twist.

Unwin et al. (2016) looked at eleven tiny CBT studies for anxiety in adults with mild ID. They found weak evidence, yet Johnson et al. (1994) shows strong single-case results. The difference is method: Gemma’s review mixed many weak designs; R’s study used tight single-case control.

Meuret et al. (2001) reviewed self-management cues for daily tasks. Their picture, object, and audio cues match the 1994 cue-word approach. Both papers agree: pick a cue that fits the client’s sensory strengths, then pair it with the full skill first.

You can’t hand a client a cue card or say “relax” and expect magic. First run the full behavioral relaxation routine—tense and release muscles, slow breathing, calm voice. After several pairings, the cue alone keeps the gains. Use this when you need quick calm in loud workshops, day programs, or before medical visits.