Biofeedback training on university student’s anxiety management: A systematic review

University students are susceptible to anxiety disorders. Nowadays it’s a growing problem, and cost-effective solutions are research’s imperative. Biofeedback training might be a valid solution to reduce anxiety and improve student’s health and performance. The aim of this paper is to do a reflective and systematic review of scientific literature about biofeedback application in anxiety management among university students. A Pubmed/Medline database research with the keywords “biofeedback” AND “anxiety” AND “students” were analysed in the period between 2015 and 1980 (all papers obtained). The PRISMA criteria for reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analyses were applied. The inclusion criteria were: the use of instruments to measure anxiety, the use of biofeedback applications, university student samples, the presentation of quantitative or qualitative results. It was excluded articles outside the scope of subject; that do not met the inclusion criteria; and papers without access. After applying this methodology, 17 scientific articles were included in the study. The instruments used, the dimensions, and the obtained results were analysed. This review allowed us to conclude that biofeedback can help university students to manage their anxiety and stress levels, but more research is needed to reinforce empirical evidence about biofeedback as a technique to improve students’ anxiety and stress. Correspondence to: Paulo Chaló, University of Aveiro, Education and Psychology Department, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal, Tel: +351 234 370 353; Fax: +351 234 370 640; E-mail: [email protected]