Abstract
The role that the client's cognitions(viz., his self-statements and images) play in each of the various phases of biofeedback training is examined. Biofeedback training is conceptualized as including three phases: initial conceptualization, skills-acquisition and -rehearsal, and transfer of treatment. Cognitive-behavior modification procedures to alter or employ the clients' cognitions at each of these phases of treatment are described. A cognitive theory of self-control is offered, postulating a three-stage mediational change process whereby:(1) the client must become an observer of his behavior and physiological responses;(2) this recognition becomes the cue to emit incompatible cognitions and behaviors; and, finally,(3) the content of the client's cognitions following change influences the generalization and persistence of treatment effects. The implications of this theory for biofeedback training are discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Barber, T. Physiological effects of “hypnotic suggestions”: A critical review of the literature (1960–1964).Psychological Bulletin 1965,63 201–222.
Barber, T., DiCara, L., Kamiva, J., Miller, N., Shapiro, D., & Stoyva, J. (Eds.),Biofeedback and self-control: 1970. Chicago: Aldine-Atherton, 1971.
Bilodeau, E., & Bilodeau, I. (Eds.),Principles of skill acquisition. New York: Academic Press, 1969.
Birk, L. Biofeedback: Behavioral medicine.Seminars in Psychiatry 1973,4 361–567.
Budzynski, T., Stoyva, J., Adler, C., & Mullaney, D. EMG biofeedback and tension headaches: A controlled outcome study.Seminars in Psychiatry 1973,4 397–410.
Chappell, P. M., & Stevenson, T. Group psychological training in some organic conditions.Mental Hygiene 1936,20 588–597.
Coué, E.The practice of autosuggestion. New York: Doubleday, 1922.
Dember, W. Motivation and the cognitive revolution.American Psychologist 1974,29 161–168.
Dulany, D. The place of hypotheses and intentions: An analysis of verbal control in verbal conditioning. In C. W. Eriksen (Ed.),Behavior and awareness. Durham, North Carolina: Duke University Press, 1962.
Frank, J.Persuasion and healing. New York: Schocken Books, 1974.
Gal'perin, P. Stages in the development of mental acts. In M. Cole and I. Maltzman (Eds.),A handbook of contemporary soviet psychology. New York: Basic Books, 1969.
Goldfried, M., Decenteceo, E., & Weinberg, L. Systematic rational restructuring as a self-control technique.Behavior therapy 1974,5 247–254.
Graham, D., Kabler, J., & Graham, F. Physiological response to the suggestion of attitudes specific for hives and hypertension.Psychosomatic Medicine 1962,24 159.
Green, E., Walters, E., Green, A., & Murphy, G. Feedback technique for deep relaxation.Psychophysiology 1969,6 371–377.
Janis, I.Psychological stress. New York: Wiley, 1958.
Kanfer, F., & Saslow, G. Behavioral diagnosis. In C. M. Franks (Ed.),Behavior therapy: Appraisal and status. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1969.
Katkin, E., & Murray, E. Instrumental conditioning of autonomically mediated behavior: Theoretical and methodological issues.Psychological Bulletin 1968,70 52–68.
Kazdin, A. Covert modeling, model similarity, and reduction of avoidance behavior.Behavior Therapy 1974,5 325–340.
Kimble, G., & Perlmutler, L. The problem of volition.Psychological Review 1970,77 361–384.
Lazarus, A.Behavior therapy and beyond. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1972.
Lazarus, R. A cognitively oriented psychologist looks at biofeedback.American Psychologist 1975,30 553–561.
Marmor, J. The psychodynamics of realistic worry.Psychoanalysis and Social Science 1958,5 115–163.
Maslach, C., Marshall, G., & Zimbardo, P. Hypnotic control of peripheral skin temperature: A case report.Psychophysiology 1972,9 600–605.
May, J., & Johnson, H. Physiological activity to internally elicited arousal and inhibitory thoughts.Journal of Abnormal Psychology 1973,82 239–245.
Meichenbaum, D. Cognitive modification of test anxious college students.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1972,39 370–380.
Meichenbaum, D. Examination of model characteristics in reducing avoidance behavior.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 1973,82 239–245.
Meichenbaum, D. Toward a cognitive theory of self-control. In G. Schwartz and D. Shapiro (Eds.),Consciousness and self-regulation: Advances in research. New York: Plenum press, 1975 (a).
Meichenbaum, D. A cognitive-behavior modification approach to assessment. In M. Hersen & A. Bellack (Eds.),Behavioral assessment: A practical handbook. New York: Pergamon Press, 1975 (b).
Meichenbaum, D., & Turk, D. The cognitive-behavioral management of anxiety, anger, and pain. Paper presented at the Seventh Banff International Conference on Behavior Modification, 1975.
Meichenbaum, D., Turk, D., & Burstein, S. The nature of coping with stress. Paper presented at NATO Conference on Dimensions of Anxiety and Stress, Oslo, Norway, 1975.
Miller, N., Barber, T., DiCara, L., Kamiya, J., Shapiro, D., & Stoyva, J.Biofeedback and self-control: 1973. Chicago: Aldine-Atherton, 1974.
Murray, H.Explorations in personality. New York: Oxford Press, 1938.
Peterson, D.The clinical study of social behavior. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1968.
Platonov, K.The word as a physiological and therapeutic factor. Moscow: Foreign Languages Publishing House, 1959.
Reeves, J. EMG-biofeedback reduction of tension headache: A cognitive skills training approach. Unpublished manuscript, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1975.
Richardson, A. Mental practice: A reivew and discussion. Part I.Research Quarterly 1967a,38 95–107.
Richardson, A. Mental practice: A review and discussion. Part II.Research Quarterly 1967b,38 263–273.
Roberts, A., Kewman, D., & MacDonald, H. Voluntary control of skin temperature.Journal of Abnormal Psychology 1973,82 163–168.
Rosenthal, R.Experimental effects in behavioral research. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1966.
Sarason, I. Test anxiety and cognitive modeling.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 1973,28 58–61.
Sarbin, T. Imagining as muted role-taking: A historical-linguistic analysis. In P. Sheehan (Ed.),The function and nature of imagery. New York: Academic Press, 1972.
Sargent, J., Green, E., & Walters, E. D. Preliminary report on the use of autogenic training of migraine and tension headaches.Psychosomatic Medicine 1973,35 129–135.
Schwartz, G. Role of imagery in the voluntary control of heart rate. Paper presented at 81st annual meeting of American Psychological Association, Montreal, Canada, 1973a.
Schwartz, G. Biofeedback as therapy: Some theoretical and practical issues.American Psychologist 1973b,28 666.
Schwartz, G. Biofeedback, self-regulation, and the patterning of physiological processes.American Scientist 1975,63 314–324.
Schwartz, G., & Shapiro, D. Biofeedback and essential hypertension: Current findings and theoretical concerns.Seminars in Psychiatry 1973,5 493–503.
Singer, J.Imagery and daydream methods in psychotherapy and behavior modification. New York: Academic Press, 1974.
Spielberger, C., & Denike, L. Descriptive behaviorism versus cognitive theory in verbal operant conditioning.Psychological Review 1966,73 306–326.
Sternbach, R. The effects of instructional sets on autonomic activity.Psychophysiology 1964,1 67–72.
Strupp, H. Specific vs. nonspecific factors in psychology and the problem of control.Archives of General Psychology 1970,23 393–401.
Turk, D. Cognitive control of pain: A skills training approach. Unpublished manuscript, University of Waterloo, Ontario, 1975.
Wine, J. Investigations of attentional interpretation of test anxiety. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Waterloo, Ontario, 1971.
Wolf, S. Effects of suggestion and conditioning on the action of chemical agents in human subjects.Journal of Clinical Investigation 1950,29 100–109.
Wolpe, J.Psychotherapy by reciprocal inhibition, Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1958.
Zimbardo, P.The cognitive control of motivation: The consequences of choice and dissonance. Glenview, Illinois: Scott Foresman, 1969.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Meichenbaum, D. Cognitive factors in biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 1, 201–216 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00998587
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00998587