Ruzinova V.M., Kotelnikova A.V., Kiseleva M.G. Biofeedback as a Tool for Psychological Self-Regulation: Mechanisms, Effectiveness, and Clinical and Psychological Application

Despite the proven clinical effectiveness of biofeedback (BF), its key psychological potential – overcoming learned helplessness and the formation of conscious control over the patient's condition – remains insufficiently realized in clinical practice. Loss of control, which accompanies many diseases, provokes maladaptation and reduces adherence to treatment.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the possibilities of clinical and psychological application of biofeedback as a tool for the development of psychological self-regulation skills in various forms of maladaptation.

Methods. A systematic analysis of modern scientific publications (databases: Elibrary.ru, PubMed, Scopus) was carried out based on the principles of evidence-based medicine. Key search terms included "biofeedback", "psychological self-regulation", and "neurofeedback".

Main results. The psychological effects of biofeedback are based on overcoming "physiological blindness" by providing the patient with direct sensory access to hidden physiological processes, which creates the effect of a "neurophysiological mirror". This forms conscious control through operant learning mechanisms, leading to the development of self-efficacy, overcoming helplessness, strengthening the connection between mental processes and bodily states ("mind-body connection"), and is accompanied by neuroplastic changes when using EEG-BF. The clinical and psychological effectiveness of the method is manifested in various fields. In psychosomatics, biofeedback demonstrates a pronounced decrease in anxiety levels in hypertension, a significant reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks, and a significant reduction in the need for inhalers in patients with asthma. In the field of neurodevelopment, the use of biofeedback improves attention and self-control in ADHD, promotes positive changes in communication and socialization in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and supports cognitive development in Down syndrome. In neurological practice, especially in post-stroke rehabilitation, the method helps to increase motivation, reduce depressive symptoms, and improve motor function. In chronic pain syndromes (e.g., fibromyalgia) and sleep disorders (insomnia), biofeedback also shows significant effectiveness in reducing pain and facilitating the process of falling asleep. The key conditions for the effectiveness of biofeedback are its integration with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), consideration of contraindications (psychosis, dementia), strict individualization of protocols, and constant monitoring of the patient's psychological parameters.

Conclusion. Biofeedback is a highly effective tool in the arsenal of a medical psychologist, aimed at developing psychological self-regulation skills, reducing maladaptation, and improving the quality of life of patients. Its effectiveness is due to its direct impact on key psychological targets: the formation of conscious control, the increase of self-efficacy, and the activation of neuroplasticity.

Key words: biofeedback, psychological self-regulation, neurofeedback, psychophysiological adaptation, cognitive mechanisms, clinical psychology 

For citation: Ruzinova, V.M., Kotelnikova, A.V., Kiseleva, M.G. (2026). Biofeedback as a Tool for Psychological Self-Regulation: Mechanisms, Effectiveness, and Clinical and Psychological Application. New Psychological Research, No. 1, 203–218. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2026_06_01_11