The effects of alpha/theta neurofeedback on mood, anxiety, emotion regulation and trait impulsivity

Previous research showed that neurofeedback improved mood, anxiety and addictions and enhanced optimum performance among musicians and artists. Although the alpha/theta protocol was used in some of these studies, the results have been inconsistent, this in part due to limited or no use of mock-feedback control groups and the focus being on mostly clinical samples. The current study aimed to comprehensively assess the effects of alpha/theta neurofeedback on state and trait emotions. Twenty-five participants who met the criteria for at least moderate anxiety on GAD-7 were assigned to either real or mock-feedback and completed nine sessions over five weeks. Pre and post emotion dysregulation (DERS-SF), trait impulsivity (SUPPS-P), anxiety (GAD-7) was measured at S1 and S9, state mood (PANAS) was assessed pre and post each session. The results revealed significant reduction in anxiety among real feedback group at post-S9, while the state negative mood improved for both groups. There was no significant change in emotion dysregulation or trait impulsivity from pre to post neurofeedback. Real group showed significant within session increase in their theta/alpha ratio while there was no significant difference between sessions. Overall, the findings suggest that alpha/theta neurofeedback an effective intervention for anxiety and state mood but does not lead to change in traits such as emotion-based impulsivity and emotion dysregulation. This is the first study to comprehensively assess alpha/theta neurofeedback training on different aspects of emotions in a simulation-controlled study, limitations and implications are discussed.