Biofeedback

Question 1

STRENGTH:Biofeedback has research evidence

Answer 1

• Lemaire trained medical doctors to use a biofeedback device three times a day over a 28 day period. The doctors also completed a questionnaire measuring perception of how stressed they were
• Mean stress score for biofeedback users fell significantly over the course of the study. Corresponding score for a control group also fell but by a much smaller amount
• Suggests that biofeedback has benefits in helping to improve the psychological state of someone experiencing stress.

Question 2

LIMITATION: Individual differences in effectiveness of biofeedback

Answer 2

• Biofeedback as a stress management method does not suit everyone
• Client has to understand relationship between physiological functioning and signals they receive and must be motivated to apply learned skills to alter signals in the real world
• Demands of biofeedback limit it as a method that everyone can use. But this is true of all methods.

Question 3

STRENGTH: Biofeedback can improve other stress management techniques

Answer 3

• Bussone treated children suffering from tension headaches with either relaxation on its own or BART (biofeedback assisted relaxation therapy)
• Headache frequency reduced in both groups by 55% after three months of treatment. Greater improvements by BART group after 1 year and 3 years.
• Suggests relaxation techniques are effective, but improved with biofeedback