Abstract
Biofeedback constitutes a well-established, non-invasive method to voluntary interfere in emotional processing by means of cognitive strategies. However, treatment durations exhibit strong inter-individual variations and first successes can often be achieved only after a large number of sessions. Sham feedback constitutes a rather untapped approach by providing feedback that does not correspond to the participant’s actual state. The current study aims to gain insights into mechanisms of sham feedback processing in order to support new techniques in biofeedback therapy. We carried out two experiments and applied different types of sham feedback on skin conductance responses and pupil size changes during affective processing. Results indicate that standardized but context-sensitive sham signals based on skin conductance responses exert a stronger influence on emotional regulation compared to individual sham feedback from ongoing pupil dynamics. Also, sham feedback should forego unnatural signal behavior to avoid irritation and skepticism among participants. Altogether, a reasonable combination of stimulus features and sham feedback characteristics enables to considerably reduce the actual bodily responsiveness already within a single session.
Highlights
Biofeedback constitutes a non-invasive method to observe bodily activation changes in realtime, usually by visualization on a computer screen
We carried out a correlation analysis between psychometric variables and average pupil diameter
Since the results did not differ from separate correlations between feedback types and psychometric variables, average pupil diameters across all feedback conditions were combined
Summary
Biofeedback constitutes a non-invasive method to observe bodily activation changes in realtime, usually by visualization on a computer screen. It is based on the concept of homeostasis, assuming the autonomous nervous system to keep activation states in balance and to steadily adapt to internal and external requirements [1]. Biofeedback applications promote our understanding of affective processing and enable voluntary interference by means of simple cognitive strategies. Clinical studies provide ample evidence for a long-term reduction of anxiety symptoms on basis of biofeedback therapy [2,3]. Visual feedback is usually provided directly, continuously and unaltered. Treatment durations in biofeedback exhibit strong inter-individual variations and first successes can often be achieved only after
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