Accessible biofeedback : innovative campus-wide strategies for stress management and test anxiety

Abstract

Final report for the 2012 project, "Accessible Biofeedback: Innovative Campus-Wide Strategies for Stress Management and Test Anxiety." From the first page: "What has been accomplished: 1. A research team was established to examine the impact of the biofeedback programs on student stress, anxiety and physiological resilience. Data was collected through Learning Strategies classes, enBalance biofeedback classes and a one-credit hour biofeedback class. Over the course of one year, an estimated 300 students participated in biofeedback training through one of the above mechanisms. A team of two professional staff, 3 graduate students, 2 undergraduates and 1 volunteer were involved in this research which was presented at the annual International Society for Neurofeedback and Research Conference. The title of the presentation was �The Impact of an 8-week Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training on Qeeg and LORETA Following a Cognitive Stressor.� This research showed that students participating in an 8-week HRV class reported significant improvements in coping self-efficacy. Compared to a Learning Strategies control group, the biofeedback group showed less anxiety and stress. A sub-set of the students in the biofeedback classes showed significantly reduced physiological reactivity in response to a cognitive stressor after participating in the class. Currently, research is being conducted with Dr. Stephanie Reid-Arndt in the Dept. of Health Professions comparing the 8-week biofeedback class to 3 other stress management courses. It is hoped that this research will clarify the specific impacts of biofeedback training on student resilience as well as helping to identify which students may benefit from specific interventions."