RESUMO:Este estudo dá continuidade à investigação sobre a eficácia do Biofeedback na ansiedade em alunos do ensino superior. Procurando soluções acessíveis e de duração cada vez mais reduzida, pretendeu-se comparar a eficácia entre dois programas breves, com 5 e 8 sessões, de Biofeedback. Foram selecionados 32 alunos do primeiro ano, com valores elevados na Escala de Ansiedade Traço (STAI-Y2). Utilizando o Biofeedback 2000 X-pert submeteu-se um grupo (n=11) a oito sessões, enquanto outro grupo (n=9) realizou apenas 5 sessões. Um terceiro grupo (n=12) não foi alvo de qualquer intervenção. Os resultados obtidos na STAI-Y2 no início do estudo foram comparados com os obtidos no seu final. Verificou-se uma redução significativa dos valores da STAI-Y2 nos grupos de Biofeedback (p=0,05 no grupo com 5 sessões; p=0,003 no grupo com 8 sessões). Foram também encontradas diferenças significativas entre os valores da STAI-Y2 pós-intervenção entre o grupo de controlo e o grupo com 8 sessões de Biofeedback (p=0,001). Estes resultados reforçam a pertinência da utilização de programas breves de Biofeedback na problemática da ansiedade, ainda que com alguma reserva face a programas de 5 sessões. Futuros estudos, principalmente na população portuguesa, são necessários para reforçar a eficácia destes programas. Caracterizados por uma boa relação custo/eficácia, os programas de Biofeedback apresentam-se como uma alternativa válida para a intervenção na ansiedade. Palavras-chave: Biofeedback, SCL, Ansiedade, Ensino Superior. ___________________________________________________________________________ BIOFEEDBACK AND ANXIETY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: COMPARISON OF TWO BRIEF INTERVENTION PROGRAMSABSTRACT: This study follows Biofeedback (BFB) efficacy in higher education student's levels of anxiety research. Looking for easy access, short duration programs, we tried to compare two brief programs, with 5 and 8 sessions of BFB. 32 1st year students with high State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI-Y2) values. Using Biofeedback 2000 x-pert, one group (n=11) underwent 8 sessions, another (n=9) did 5 and a third group (n=12) underwent no intervention. Results were compared at the end. A significant reduction of STAI Y-2 values was observed on both BFB groups (p=0.05 in the 5 session group, p=0.003 in the 8 session one). Significant differences were also found between the control group and the 8 BFB session group (p=0.001). These results suggest the relevance of using brief BFB programs in dealing with anxiety in Higher Education, albeit with some care considering the 5 session program. Future studies, especially in the Portuguese population, are necessary to strengthen these programs' efficacy. Having a good cost/efficacy relationship, BFB programs appear as a valid option for intervention in anxiety.

Anxiety and Stress are two disorders with high prevalence among college students, interfering with their performance and quality of life. Biofeedback's efficacy as a solution to prevent and treat, anxiety and stress among college students was tested in this study. To do this, four groups were formed, based on STAI results. Two groups, one with high and another one with normal anxiety, participated in a 5 weekly biofeedback sessions program. The other two groups, also divided in high and regular anxiety, acted as control groups and were not submitted to any intervention. The participants were assessed with the Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Inventory of Stress for College Students one week before and one week after the biofeedback trial and the results were compared. The results indicate a good potential of biofeedback training on anxiety and stress intervention among college population, representing a simple and cost effective solution.