The experiment is a 2 by 2 split-plot ANOVA (SPANOVA). There two independent variables are time (Week 1 versus Week 10) and groups (Intervention versus Control), whereas the two dependent variables are the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) scores and Skin Conductance Level (SCL) scores.
Participants
70 final-year undergraduate university students participated in an experiment to determine the effectiveness of biofeedback training on the anxiety levels shown in university students, comprising of 37 females and 33 males participants.
Materials
The Abbreviated scale of Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) was constructed to measure and assess the three emotional conditions of Depression, Anxiety and Stress. Each emotional condition
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During Week 1, all participants completed the DASS-21 questionnaires. Following that, participants took two Skin Conductance Level (SCL) scores; baseline and test SCL using the “IOM” electronic biofeedback monitor. Participants placed their non-dominant hand on the pads as sensors are attached to three fingers; one to measure heart rate and the remaining two to measure SCL. For the SCL baseline reading, participants are required to remain calm for 5 minutes and to minimise hand movements. Data for baseline SCL was recorded. Next, participants engaged in a ‘car race’ test, to measure anxiety levels. Participants were informed that the cars will go faster or slower depending on how relax or anxious they were. This ‘car race’ test was carried out for 5 minutes. Data for test SCL was recorded. For week 2 to week 9, the intervention group spent one hour each week, engaged in “Wild Divine” Biofeedback training program. The biofeedback training allowed participants to learn how to control and monitor their internal physiological conditions through relaxing rhythms programs, breathing techniques and relaxation skills, whilst providing personalised information about their physiological performance. Control group received no biofeedback training. The procedures for week 1 were repeated during the final 10th week of experiment, comprised of completion of DASS-21 scores and readings of baseline and test SCL