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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
10:03
Conformable Wearable Electrodes: From Fabrication to Electrophysiological Assessment
Published on: July 22, 2022
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Using wearable technology to evaluate the electrodermal activity of therapists assessing challenging behavior
Emily K Sullivan1, Tara A Fahmie2, Jamie E Gehringer3
1Integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute, Omaha, NE, USA.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|January 23, 2026
Summary
This study explored measuring therapists' physiological responses using electrodermal activity (EDA) during challenging behavior interventions. Preliminary data show EDA indicates arousal, supporting technology development for staff well-being and retention.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Physiological Monitoring
Background:
- Objective measurement of therapist physiological responding is needed for staff performance, well-being, and retention.
- Challenging behavior in therapeutic settings can elicit significant physiological responses in therapists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize controlled measures of therapists' electrodermal activity (EDA) during functional analyses of challenging behavior.
- To discuss the technology, analyses, and technical barriers associated with monitoring therapist EDA.
Main Methods:
- Controlled measurement of therapists' electrodermal activity (EDA).
- Implementation of functional analyses of challenging behavior.
- Discussion of technological and analytical considerations for EDA monitoring.
Main Results:
- Preliminary data from three therapists indicated the presence of acute physiological arousal.
- Physiological arousal indicators were particularly noted surrounding occurrences of challenging behavior during functional analyses.
Conclusions:
- Electrodermal activity (EDA) can objectively measure therapist physiological responding to challenging behavior.
- Further development of EDA monitoring technology is supported for applications in staff performance and well-being.
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