Biofeedback

Question 1

What is biofeedback?

Answer 1

A behaviourist method that involves training people to lower stress levels by using physical signals from body. The aim is to enable people to have control over involuntary physiological processes

Question 2

What is phase one?

Answer 2

The client learns to become aware of their physiological response and how it can be adjusted in a desired direction

Question 3

What is phase two?

Answer 3

The client learns how to use various techniques to control the response e.g relaxation. The therapist might praise the client, with rewards and reinforces this behaviour making success more likely

Question 4

What is phase three?

Answer 4

Control of the response has to be transferred to everyday life, so the client practises stressful situations rather than on the safety and comfort of the therapy room

Question 5

What can be altered by biofeedback?

Answer 5

Brain activity, blood pressure, heart rate and other bodily functions not usually under conscious control

Question 6

What are four strengths of biofeedback?

Answer 6

• successfully addressed a variety of stress related disorders illustrating its wide ranging usage
• it’s not invasive and has no negative side effects or addictive qualities
• relaxation strategies can be continually applied giving it long term usage
• Attanso found that biofeedback works well with children as they are more willing and try harder to succeed

Question 7

What are two limitations of biofeedback?

Answer 7

• there is a limit to the control of bodily functions meaning that other management techniques have to play a role too
• treatment is relatively expensive as it requires specialist equipment and supervision and it only works due to teaching individuals to relax and if this is the case then specialist equipment is not necessary