Evaluating the efficacy of a biofeedback intervention to reduce children's anxiety

J Clin Psychol. 1996 Jul;52(4):469-73. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4679(199607)52:4<469::AID-JCLP13>3.0.CO;2-E.

Abstract

This study explored the reduction of anxiety with children using a combination of electromyograph and thermal biofeedback techniques. One hundred and fifty children (7th and 8th graders) were identified by teachers as anxious and randomly assigned to biofeedback intervention and no-intervention groups. Biofeedback intervention subjects received 6 sessions of thermal training and 6 sessions of electromyographic training over a 6 week period. A post-test anxiety scale demonstrated a significant reduction in both state and trait anxiety. This study suggested biofeedback as a viable intervention which might be coordinated and provided by psychologists to reduce anxiety in children.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anxiety / therapy*
  • Biofeedback, Psychology / methods*
  • Body Temperature Regulation
  • Child
  • Electromyography
  • Humans