Biofeedback

• What is a strength of biofeedback in changing ANS responses?

  Research studies have demonstrated its effectiveness.
• What did Gruber and Taub (1998) demonstrate about biofeedback?

  They trained monkeys to raise and lower body temperature and reduce muscle tension.
• Why is the study by Gruber and Taub significant in the context of biofeedback?

  It shows that biofeedback learning does not depend on conscious thought.
• Why is biofeedback considered an effective way of coping with stress?

  Many studies have found similar results demonstrating its effectiveness.
• What conclusion can be drawn about biofeedback as a therapy?

  Biofeedback is a reliable therapy.
• What is a weakness of biofeedback as a treatment for stress?

  The operant conditioning component may be irrelevant
• What is believed about DiCara's original research with Miller on biofeedback?

  It is believed that DiCara fabricated his results
• What impact did the fabrication of results have on subsequent research attempts regarding biofeedback?

  Subsequent attempts to replicate his research failed
• What does the failure to replicate DiCara's research place doubt on?

  It places doubt on the role of operant conditioning in biofeedback
• What may the successes reported in biofeedback actually be attributed to?

  They may be attributed to relaxation rather than operant conditioning
• Why is it significant that the success of biofeedback may not be related to operant conditioning?

  Because it may just be a form of relaxation
• What conclusion can be drawn about the relevance of operant conditioning in biofeedback's success?

  Claiming that operant conditioning is relevant may be invalid
• What is a strength of biofeedback as a treatment for stress?

  It has remained popular for a whole range of disorders.
• What disorders has biofeedback been used to treat?

  Migraines and asthma.
• What did Bradley (1995) compare in his research on biofeedback?

  The effectiveness of biofeedback versus relaxation to control muscle-tension headaches.
• What were the results of Bradley's study on biofeedback?

  The biofeedback group had significantly fewer headaches than the relaxation group after treatment.
• Why is the effectiveness of biofeedback significant despite reliability issues?

  It is a therapy used today for many different stress-related illnesses.
• How is biofeedback described in terms of its usefulness?

  It is incredibly useful.
• What potential explanation is given for Bradley's findings on biofeedback?

  The presence of sophisticated machines may create a placebo effect.
• What is a strength of biofeedback in managing stress?

  It offers advantages over other methods of managing stress.
• How might the placebo effect influence the results of biofeedback treatment?

  Patients may believe the method is more effective and therefore improve more.
• Why is biofeedback considered a non-invasive technique?

  It does not alter the body in any permanent way as drugs do.
• In what situation is biofeedback particularly useful?

  For treating children who cannot be treated with drugs.
• What is the historical context of biofeedback as a treatment method?

  Biofeedback has been used for many years and remains popular for various disorders.
• What are some implications of placebo effects in psychological treatments like biofeedback?

  Placebo effects can lead to perceived improvements in treatment outcomes.
• How does biofeedback help in reducing stress?

  It provides a long-lasting way of reducing stress through relaxation.
• What effect does biofeedback have on the sympathetic nervous system?

  It has a positive effect on lowering the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
• Why are the advantages of biofeedback significant?

  They mean that biofeedback can be used when alternative methods cannot.
• How is biofeedback described in terms of its usefulness?

  It is incredibly useful.
• What are the strengths of biofeedback as a stress management technique?

  • Non-invasive
  • Useful for children
  • Long-lasting stress reduction
  • Lowers sympathetic nervous system activity
• How does biofeedback compare to drug treatments for stress management?

  Biofeedback is non-invasive and does not alter the body permanently, unlike drugs.
• Who might benefit from biofeedback instead of traditional stress therapies?

  Children who cannot be treated with drugs or cope with stress inoculation therapy.