Locus of control and expectation of control in EMG biofeedback

Abstract

This study examined the importance of cognitions in the feelings of self-control on task performance and on certain subjective states, via electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback training. Subjects in a "misled” EMG feedback group were led to believe that they had successfully reduced their EMG levels (induced cognition of self control); in actuality, the subjects in the misled group were yoked to subjects receiving feedback contingent oii their ovv'n EMG levels; thus, the feedback received by the misled group ’vvas that of their contingent EMG feedback counterparts. The effects of this treatment v/ere explored in relation to feelings of self control via Rotter's I-E scale, EMG task performance during two training trials, state-trait anxiety levels via the 3tate-Tra.it Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and other subjective states via some self-report questionnaires. These data were compared to those of the EMG group receiving feedback contingent on their own EMG levels and to a control group which was also yoked to the contingent feedback group, but who were informed that this was the case.