Biofeedback-assisted relaxation potential for improving ability to relax in Type A students

Abstract

Background: Type A individuals are believed to have higher psychophysiological reactivity to stressors and poorer relaxation skills. Biofeedback-assisted relaxation had been shown to be effective in enhancing ability to learn to control psychophysiology and relax. This study is aimed at assessing biofeedback-assisted relaxation potential for improving ability to relax in Type A students. Methods: 54 Type A students participated in a study. Participants of a study were randomly assigned into 2 different groups: 27 students received 4 weekly biofeedback-assisted relaxation training sessions and 27 participated in comparison group. Ability to relax was measured by evaluating a change of psychophysiological variables (skin conductance, skin temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate) at the beginning of a study, during and after relaxation training. Expected results: It is expected that despite no change in perceived stress type A students have learnt to control their physiology and relax. Current stage of work: Preparation of the psychophysiological data for analysis. Discussion: The use of biofeedback-assisted relaxation might be useful in improving ability to relax and prevent the negative outcomes of stress in type A individuals.