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Exploring public attitude toward biofeedback technologies: Knowledge, preferences and personality tendencies
Gaetano A Russo1, Serena Oliveri1, Clizia Cincidda1,2
1Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan.
Journal of Public Health Research
|November 19, 2020
Summary
Public interest in biofeedback is high, but knowledge is low. Uptake depends more on individual health beliefs than lifestyle or disease status, highlighting a need for better public education.
Area of Science:
- Health technology adoption
- Behavioral science in health
Background:
- Biofeedback is increasingly used in clinical settings and wearable devices.
- Public awareness and understanding of biofeedback technologies remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceived efficacy of biofeedback technologies among Italian citizens.
- To identify personality tendencies influencing biofeedback technology uptake.
Main Methods:
- An online questionnaire was administered to 160 Italian citizens recruited via social media (March-May 2019).
- The survey assessed socio-demographics, clinical status, physical activity, biofeedback knowledge/attitude, and health-related psychological tendencies.
Main Results:
- High interest in biofeedback training was observed despite low knowledge.
- No correlation found between sport/chronic disease and biofeedback use.
- Informed individuals showed greater interest and higher Health Locus of Control scores.
- Positive Health Esteem did not correlate with reliance on biofeedback.
Conclusions:
- Improving public literacy on biofeedback is crucial.
- Tailoring biofeedback tools to user needs and characteristics is recommended.
- Empowering internal health control can promote effective biofeedback use and knowledge.
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