Back Futurehealth | |||||||
Original Content at https://www.futurehealth.org/articles/Researcher-Seeks-Married-C-by-Steven-Kassel-091218-116.html |
December 18, 2009
Researcher Seeks Married Couples for Interpersonal Biofeedback Study
By Steven Kassel
Research trials have begun on an innovative research project which examines the additive therapeutic effect of two existing evidence-based techniques, marital therapy and biofeedback.
::::::::
Research trials have begun on an innovative research project which examines the additive therapeutic effect of two existing evidence-based techniques, marital therapy and biofeedback.Specifically, the effects on marital satisfaction and psychophysiologic reactivity will be measured. Pre and post baseline measures of physiological parameters such as breathing, heart rate and heart rate variability, sweat gland activity, and hand temperature will be monitored with specialized equipment, as well as audio and video monitoring of the couple during the study sessions. In this study, we will be monitoring and giving feedback to each partner about their physiology and teaching them how to control reactivity in order to remain more calm when discussing emotionally charged subjects with their partner. The therapist will have the ability to stop and replay recordings in order to demonstrate changes in physiology to the couples. The study hypothesizes that participants will be able to learn to modify their physiologic reactions and thereby improve communication and marital satisfaction with their intimate partner.
The aim of this study is one of directed therapy, to focus on the process of how couples talk to one another, and how to better resolve conflicts, rather than to simply talk about burning issues in the relationship. If further therapy is required to expand on specific relational issues, subjects will be referred back to their original therapist. There will be no financial compensation for participating in this study, as this is a non-funded research project, and no charge will be made for these sessions. Involvement for the full 10 sessions is a commitment that will be much appreciated and, we anticipate will be of benefit to the couples involved. In short, we are currently looking for participant couples to join a 10 session original study of Interpersonal Biofeedback.
For more information or to refer patients for participation, please contact Steven C. Kassel, MFT, BCIA-c, BCIA-EEG