The effectiveness of various tension‐reducing techniques was investigated. Sixty‐three subjects were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (EMG feedback, finger temperature feedback, EMG plus finger temperature feedback, autogenic training), a placebo control group, and a waiting‐list control group. Physiological as well as a variety of cognitive measures were used to monitor changes in tension. The results showed no significant difference in effectiveness between the six groups. On virtually all cognitive measures there were significant decreases in tension, but not on the physiological measures. The decreases in tension on the cognitive measures were interpreted to be the results of non‐specific (placebo) effects. These non‐specific effects were not short‐term, but did persist for at least three months after completion of treatment.