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Impact of Biofeedback on Self-efficacy and Stress Reduction in Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

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Abstract

Biofeedback application is an evidence-based technique to induce relaxation. A primary mechanism of action is the improvement of self-efficacy, which is needed to facilitate the translation of health behavioral intentions into action. Obesity is often associated with low self-efficacy and dysfunctional eating patterns, including comfort eating as an inexpedient relaxation technique. This is the first study investigating the effects of biofeedback on self-efficacy and relaxation in obesity. In the present experiment, 31 women, mean body mass index 35.5 kg/m², were randomized to a food-specific biofeedback paradigm, a non-specific relaxation biofeedback paradigm, or a waiting list control. Eight sessions of biofeedback of the electrodermal activity were performed while presenting either a challenging food stimulus or a non-specific landscape stimulus. Self-efficacy, stress, ability to relax, eating behavior, and electrodermal activity were assessed before, directly after, and 3 months after the intervention. The food-specific biofeedback predominantly showed effects on food-related self-efficacy and perceived stress. The non-specific relaxation biofeedback showed effects on the ability to relax. Self-reported improvements were confirmed by corresponding decrease in the electrodermal reaction to food stimuli. Biofeedback treatment is effective in improving self-efficacy in individuals with obesity and might therefore be a valuable additional intervention in obesity treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstrasse 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany

    Martin Teufel, Kerstin Stephan, Axel Kowalski, Saskia Käsberger, Paul Enck, Stephan Zipfel & Katrin E. Giel

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  1. Martin Teufel
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  2. Kerstin Stephan
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  3. Axel Kowalski
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  6. Stephan Zipfel
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  7. Katrin E. Giel
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Correspondence to Martin Teufel.

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Teufel, M., Stephan, K., Kowalski, A. et al. Impact of Biofeedback on Self-efficacy and Stress Reduction in Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 38, 177–184 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-013-9223-8

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