THE EFFECTS OF EEG BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING ON THE BEHAVIOR OF HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN.

Abstract

Satterfield (1974) and other, i.e. Lubar and Shouse (1978) have suggested a relationship between arousal level and hyperactivity such that low cortical arousal was related to lowered inhibitory control on the part of the hyperactive child. The present study was designed to test this theory using EEG activity as a measure of arousal and certain psychological tests and rating scales as dependent measures. Also, to investigate the utility of this procedure in a small clinic setting. The sample consisted of 16 hyperactive males between the ages of 6-12. These children were placed into either the placebo or experimental group. A controlled group outcome design was utilized in this study. Data consisted of four biofeedback measures and four test measures. Following a pre-test battery and baseline session, children received seven weeks of training. Finally, a post-test battery and baseline session concluded the study. The results were summarized and placed on graphs and table. Biofeedback data displaced measurable change in the predicted direction, as did rating scale data. Three other test measures displayed positive, but non-significant changes. Implications for the study were noted. Recommendations for practitioners and future research centered on the concepts of generalization, parental involvement and practice.