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Updated: Sep 22, 2025
06:52
The use of Biofeedback in Clinical Virtual Reality: The INTREPID Project
Published on: November 12, 2009
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Visualization, Self-Efficacy, and Locus of Control in a Virtual Reality Biofeedback Video Game for Anxiety
Joanneke Weerdmeester1, Marieke M J W van Rooij2, Isabela Granic3
1Orthopedagogics: Family and Behaviour, Faculty of Social Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking
|May 25, 2022
Summary
This study explored biofeedback game designs for anxiety regulation. Mirroring breathing visualizations did not enhance anxiety reduction or self-efficacy compared to movement-based feedback alone.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Health Technology
Background:
- Biofeedback interventions show promise for anxiety regulation.
- Specific design elements and psychological mechanisms require further investigation.
- Understanding the impact of visual feedback on self-efficacy and locus of control is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify feedback mechanics in biofeedback applications for anxiety regulation.
- To examine the unique impact of breathing-mirroring visualizations on anxiety, locus of control, and self-efficacy.
- To understand the psychological processes underlying biofeedback effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A dismantling study design was employed with 67 participants.
- Participants played a biofeedback video game with anxiety induction.
- Two game versions were used: movement-contingent breathing feedback and additional mirroring visualizations.
Main Results:
- All participants successfully reduced anxiety and arousal, irrespective of the condition.
- No significant differences were found between the experimental and control conditions.
- Higher self-efficacy and internal locus of control correlated with better anxiety regulation, but not physiological arousal changes.
Conclusions:
- Mirroring visualizations did not offer additional benefits over movement-based feedback for anxiety regulation, self-efficacy, or locus of control.
- Individual differences in self-efficacy and locus of control play a role in anxiety regulation.
- Further research is recommended on specific design choices and psychological mechanisms in biofeedback interventions.
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