4 - Biofeedback

Abstract

Biofeedback is any process in which an external device generates information to an individual about his or her physiological responses and that allows the individual to then regulate these responses and receive feedback on changes in the physiological responses. This chapter presents a psychobiological approach in discussing the development of biofeedback, theoretical models, types of biofeedback, current research status, and applications of biofeedback. The physiological responses may be any responses that can be measured by an external device. The most common responses measured are muscle tension, heart rate, skin temperature, and galvanic skin response. Biofeedback can also be considered a methodology used in studying psycho-physiological processes. The methodology includes a baseline measurement of the physiological response(s), after which feedback is given to an individual with some sort of instruction to manipulate the physiological response(s). Four of the more popular models of biofeedback are the operant conditioning framework, the informational processing model, the skills learning model, and the psychobiological model of self-regulation. The various types of biofeedback include electromyographic biofeedback, skin temperature biofeedback, galvanic skin response biofeedback, and electroencephalographic biofeedback.