Effects of a Biofeedback Intervention on Student Test Anxiety and Performance

Test anxiety in undergraduate nursing students has been linked to decreased student performance, increased exam failure, and decreased graduation rates (Aritzeta et al., 2017). Many interventions have been used in attempt to decrease test anxiety in nursing students. Yet, there is a gap in knowledge related to the use of single-session biofeedback techniques that can restore the balance between the sympathetic on parasympathetic nervous systems. Biofeedback training and relaxation can reduce test anxiety in college students when used for an extended period of time (Aritzeta et al., 2017; Prato & Yucha, 2013; Ratanasiripong, Ratanasiripong, & Kathalae, 2012). However, a shorter duration protocol may be a more realistic option for college students to learn and maintain. The use of single-session biofeedback training interventions are gaining attention as a treatment for anxiety (Laborde, Allen, Gohring, & Dosseville, 2017; Prinsloo, Derman, Lambert, & Rauch, 2013; Sherlin, Gevirtz, Wyckoff, & Muench, 2009; Wells, Outhred, Heathers, Quintana, & Kemp, 2012). The question Can a single-session biofeedback training intervention reduce test anxiety and improve performance? remains unanswered