Evaluating the efficacy of a biofeedback intervention to reduce children's anxiety

This study explored the reduction of anxiety with children using a combination of electromyograph and thermal biofeedback techniques. One hundred and fifty children (7th and 8th graders) were identified by teachers as anxious and randomly assigned to biofeedback intervention and no-intervention groups. Biofeedback intervention subjects received 6 sessions of thermal training and 6 sessions of electromyographic training over a 6 week period. A post-test anxiety scale demonstrated a significant reduction in both state and trait anxiety. This study suggested biofeedback as a viable intervention which might be coordinated and provided by psychologists to reduce anxiety in children.