# Why Trying to Relax Can Increase Anxiety for Some The paradoxical effect of relaxation techniques on anxious individuals - **Source:** [PsyBlog](https://www.spring.org.uk) - **Published:** 2026-07-15 - **Topic:** [Career Growth](https://brifing.si/c/growth) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8b3bdddd-cb60-4a6e-90bd-7376ac5ad364 ## The Relaxation Paradox Studies show relaxation techniques like meditation may increase anxiety in predisposed individuals, termed 'relaxation-induced anxiety'. Psychologists attribute this to perceived vulnerability when lowering psychological defenses against potential threats. ## Intentional Worry Mechanism Researchers found some individuals consciously maintain anxiety as preparatory defense. Prof. Michelle Newman explains the brain reinforces the false belief that worrying prevents negative outcomes through operant conditioning. ## Emotional State Sensitivity The study with 96 participants revealed anxiety disorder patients show heightened sensitivity to emotional shifts. While less pronounced, depression patients also demonstrated increased anxiety during relaxation attempts. ## Protective Anxiety Trap Experts describe chronic worry as maladaptive emotional insurance. The brain misinterprets correlation between worrying and absence of catastrophe as causation, perpetuating this counterproductive cycle. ## Therapeutic Interventions Mindfulness training helps individuals accept emotional fluctuations. Controlled exposure to relaxation may help rewire neural pathways, developing healthier coping mechanisms over time. ## Clinical Implications Findings underscore the need for personalized relaxation protocols in anxiety treatment. Lead author Hanjoo Kim suggests these insights could inform development of more effective therapeutic approaches for vulnerable populations. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.spring.org.uk/2026/07/personality-trait-prevents-relaxation.php — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._