The Effects of using Biofeedback Technologies on Students‘ Perceptions of Stress, Health, and Problem–Solving Behaviors

Susan Stockton; David Mc.A Baker

Volume : III, Issue : IX, September - 2014

The Effects of using Biofeedback Technologies on Students‘ Perceptions of Stress, Health, and Problem–Solving Behaviors

Susan Stockton, David Mc. A Baker

Abstract :

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of two software programs (alone and combined) on health, perceived stress and problem solving among college students.One hundred twenty four University students were recruited (August 2012) from general education health and psychology courses to participate. All four groups participated with pre–posttest instruments. Control subjects� only involvement with the study was with the pre–posttest instruments. In addition to pre–posttest instruments, intervention groups were instructed to practice ad libitum with heart–based, i.e., cardiac awareness (em group–Institute of HeartMath), voicebased(E group–Zyto Corporation) or a combination of cardiac awareness and voice (emE group) biofeedback–biocommunication software programs. Pre–posttest instruments used were the Health–Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II, α=0.94), the Response to Stressful Experiences Scale (RSES, α=0.91–0.93), and Problem–Solving survey (PS, α=0.77). Significant differences were identified.