Reducing Anxiety and Social Stress in Primary Education: A Breath-Focused Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback...

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Primary school students frequently experience high levels of anxiety and stress, impacting their well-being and learning.
• Emotional regulation skills are crucial for children to navigate challenging emotional situations effectively.
• Conscious and slow breathing is a practical, physiological strategy for enhancing emotional regulation in young students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a breath-focused heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback intervention in reducing anxiety and stress in primary school children.
• To evaluate the impact of learned conscious breathing techniques on emotional regulation and overall well-being.
• To explore the application of Polyvagal Theory and PMER Theory in a school-based biofeedback program.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-design study involving 585 primary school students (ages 7-12) with Treatment and Control groups.
• Utilized emWave software to measure heart rate variability (HRV) and the BASC II test to assess anxiety and social stress.
• Implemented three educational cycles of a breath-focused HRV biofeedback intervention with pre-test and post-test evaluations.

Main Results:

• Students successfully learned and applied conscious breathing techniques post-intervention.
• Significant reductions in anxiety levels were observed in the intervention group (M(SD) = 12.81(2.22) vs. 13.70(1.98)).
• Significant reductions in physiological and social stress were observed (M(SD) = 12.20(1.68) vs. 12.90(1.44)).

Conclusions:

• Breath-focused HRV biofeedback is an effective intervention for reducing anxiety and stress in primary school students.
• Conscious breathing techniques can be successfully taught to children, promoting emotional regulation and well-being.
• The study highlights the benefits and limitations of implementing biofeedback interventions within primary school settings.