644 - FEASIBILITY AND EFFICACY OF THE COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM INCORPORATING BIOFEEDBACK-ASSISTED RELAXATION IN COLLEGE STUDENTS

Session: P_D06S002 - Poster Session 2 - Division 6
AUTHORS:
Weng Chia-Ying (Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University ~ Chiayi ~ Taiwan) , Hsu Bo-Cheng (Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University ~ Chiayi ~ Taiwan)
Abstract text:
Introduction: Stress-related physical and psychological health problems among college students have significantly increased. Although cognitive-behavioral and biofeedback-assisted stress management are effective, integrated programs for this population remain underexplored.


Purpose: This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of cognitive-behavioral stress management with biofeedback-assisted relaxation (CBSM-B) on physical and psychological health in college students.


Methods: Forty-one students were assigned to CBSM-B (n = 21) or a control group (n = 20). Psychological outcomes included perceived stress, depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and cognitive flexibility; physical outcomes included heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, and blood vessel amplitude (BVA). The program group received 12 weeks of CBSM-B; the control group received no intervention.


Results: Significant interaction effects were observed for mindfulness (F = 7.178, p = 0.011) and cognitive flexibility (F = 4.643, p = 0.038). The CBSM-B group improved in overall mindfulness (t = -3.668, p = 0.002), including Describing, Nonjudging, Observing, and Nonreactivity subscales, and in cognitive flexibility (t = -2.139, p = 0.045), particularly the Control subscale. No significant changes occurred in the control group or for stress, depression, and anxiety. Interaction effects were also found for respiratory rate (F = 8.710, p = 0.005) and BVA (F = 4.154, p = 0.049): the CBSM-B group showed a post-test decrease in respiratory rate and a trend toward increased BVA, while the control group did not. During biofeedback relaxation, the CBSM-B group showed a reduction in stress index (t = 4.816, p < 0.001) and increases in SDNN (t = -3.619, p = 0.003) and HF (t = -3.373, p = 0.004).


Conclusions: CBSM-B may enhance psychological health (e.g. mindfulness and cognitive flexibility) and physical health(e.g. autonomic function, respiratory rate, and peripheral blood flow) in college students. Future work should further promote and validate CBSM-B for stress management and overall well-being in this population.