Psychology C2 - treatment and managements

Question 1

physiological basis

Answer 1

-acute stress activates the sympathetic nervous system – produces physiological changes in our body
-minimise changes then we can reduce anxiety that comes with this
-physiological changes = involuntary - controlled automatically by sympathetic branch
-aim = train us to take control of unconscious processes

Question 2

Budzynski et al. (1973)

Answer 2

-identified three main phases to biofeedback training

Question 3

three phrases to biofeedback

Answer 3

1. awareness and physiological feedback
2. relaxation training and control
3. transfer

Question 4

1. awareness and physiological feedback

Answer 4

-client = connected to a machine, converts physiological activities int signals, seen and heard
-example, electrodes placed on fingertips to monitor heart rate
-sound = Muscular tension measured using electromyogram (EMG)
-electrical activities of muscles = converted into a tone that can be heard
-tone varies in pitch
-trained therapist explains what happens to client
-makes feedback provided meaningful

Question 5

2. relaxation training and control

Answer 5

-client becomes aware of physiological responses
-take control of responses
-example, learn to take control of breathing by making a signal move to desired direction
-controlled through relaxation training, necessary because relaxation = ‘deeper’ than everyday relaxation

Question 6

2. relaxation training and control – role of operant conditioning

Answer 6

-machine gives client feedback that confirms responses are moving in the right direction
-achieving goal = rewarding for client
-positive reinforcement – the behaviour is repeated without any conscious attempt on client’s part
-makes further success more likely

Question 7

3. transfer

Answer 7

-takes place in relaxing and stress-free settings
-outside world = very different, crucial that client is able to use their skills in everyday life
-portable biofeedback machines
-client can only use one to apply their relaxation skills in stressful situations as they arise

Question 8

support for effectiveness
(evaluation)
+

Answer 8

-research evidence that shows biofeedback can be effective
-example, pps were medical doctors, trained to use biofeedback device, used three times a day for a 28-day period
-completed questionnaires ate various points to measure perception of how stressed they were
-stress cores fell significantly over 28 days
-control group who didn’t recieve it, stress scores fell by a smaller amount
(Lemaire et al. 2011)
-findings suggest that biofeedback is effective in improving psychological state of someone experiencing stress

Question 9

inconsistent effectiveness
(evaluation)
-

Answer 9

-biofeedback doesn’t give consistently positive results
-example, perceived stress was one measure in Lemaire et al.
-psychological measure, researchers measured heart rate, blood pressure and levels of stress hormone, physiological indicators
-no significant changes in these measures over the course of the study
-no effect on physiological indicators of stress over 28 days
-effectiveness depends on what is being treated
-may make an individual ‘feel better’ but is less beneficial for reducing physiological risk factors

Question 10

not always useful
(evaluation)
-

Answer 10

-it is unsuitable for some people, requires a lot of effort and motivation
-example, educational element to biofeedback in the first phase
-client has to make some effort to understand relationship between physiological functioning and the signals they receive
-transfer phase = client needs to apply the skills they have learned in real-world situations
-stress that drove them to seek biofeedback can be demotivating
-suggests biofeedback isn’t useful for everyone , other treatments are better choices