The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of utilizing an avoidance conditioning paradigm in EMG biofeedback training and to compare this method to the standard biofeedback training paradigm. Frontalis EMG levels of 20 college students were monitored during non-stress and stress conditions. Half then received standard EMG biofeedback training. The other half received biofeedback with contingent aversive stimulation. Both groups received training to a relaxation criterion of 3 microvolts for 100 seconds or, for a maximum of two 20 minute sessions. Subjects were then monitored again during non-stress and stress conditions. Both groups obtained significant EMG reductions due to training with no significant differences between them. Standard biofeedback training required less time for subjects to achieve the relaxation criterion than did biofeedback with a shock-avoidance contingency. Possible applications of avoidance contingent biofeedback were suggested.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc504641 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Catalanello, Michael S. |
| Contributors | Hughes, Howard, 1937-, Wenrich, W. W., 1932-, Hughes, Anita E. |
| Publisher | North Texas State University |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | iv, 41 leaves, Text |
| Rights | Public, Catalanello, Michael S., Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. |
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