Notes that helped me to achieve a distinction star. Created using the mark scheme, the Pearson 2017 Applied psychology book and extra notes made in class.
Biofeedback (physical)
● A method of stress management that turns physiological processes (e.g. increased heart rate) into signals which the person is
able to hear/see
● They can then learn to control their heart rate by applying techniques they have learnt e.g. relaxation and breathing exercises
There are three main phases to biofeedback training:
● Phase 1:Awareness and physiological feedback
● Phase 2: Relaxation training and control
● Phase 3: Transfer
Phase 1: Awareness and physiological feedback
● For physiological feedback a client is connected to a machine that converts physiological activities into signals that can be
heard/seen
● Other physiological activities can also be fed back to the client e.g. muscular tension can be measured using an
electromyogram (EMG). The electrical activity of the muscle is converted into a tone (varies in pitch depending how
tense/relaxed the muscles are) that can be heard through headphones
● Feedback is given by a trained therapist at every stage of the process
Phase 2: Relaxation training and control
● Client learns to take control by changing the signal (e.g. slow heart rate to lower the line on the screen or lower pitch of tone
heard through headphones)
● Biofeedback has started to use game-based interfaces to motivate clients e.g. lowering their heart rate will get them closer to
completing an on-screen puzzle
,Continued...
● Some physiological responses can be controlled through relaxation- this requires training because its a ‘deeper’ relaxation than
the everyday type most of us experience
● A therapist will help the client to tense a specific muscle group for a few seconds and then relax (this is repeated several times
before moving onto another muscle group until most of the body is covered)
● Training also includes deep breathing exercises to slow heart rate+visualisation to help a client imagine relaxing+calming
scenes
Role of operant conditioning
● Machine gives feedback that confirms confirms their responses are moving in the right direction (this is rewarding as well as
praise from the therapist) so it’s more likely to be repeated without any conscious behaviour on the clients part )this makes
further success more likely
Phase 3:transfer
● Trainings in a relaxing/stress free environment e.g. a therapy room
● Everyday life/outside world very different- crucial the client is able to transfer their skills to everyday life
● Portable biofeedback e.g. everyday mobile apps are available
● The client can use on to apply their relaxation skills in stressful situations as they arise
, Evaluation
Research shows this treatment is effective and is a longer Inconsistent outcomes, therefore its not suitable for
term technique than others such as drugs, therefore it is everyone as it requires a lot of motivation
useful
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller TeeBott04. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £2.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
