Biofeedback-aided Intervention for Self-regulation

The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of non-intrusive biofeedback devices that can be worn throughout the day in providing therapeutic cues to college students suffering from chronic anxiety. The biofeedback device detects physiological stress indices in real time (e.g., changes in breathing rate) and provides feedback (e.g., through minor vibration or text messages) serving as a cue to the wearer to recall therapeutic steps at exactly those moments they need to exert cognitive control. Students will be randomized in a 1) experimental group with biofeedback device and 2) experimental group without biofeedback device. Experimental groups will undergo an intervention that will strengthening cognitive control through mindfulness-based relaxation techniques. Outcome measures will include a multi-method approach collecting questionnaire, behavioral, and psycho-physiological indices of anxiety and self-control. The proposed study is innovative and has the potential to lead to more effective and cost-efficient types of intervention applications in the future.