Using Real-time fNIRS Neurofeedback and Cognitive Reappraisal to Improve Emotion Regulation in Healthy Adults

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study how real-time functional near-infrared spectroscopy fNIRS neurofeedback training combined with cognitive reappraisal strategies can help healthy individuals regulate negative emotions. The study focuses on increasing brain activity in the prefrontal cortex PFC to improve emotion regulation during exposure to negative stimuli and stressful situations. The approach addresses the growing need for innovative methods to reduce stress-related disorders like depression and anxiety. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups a real fNIRS neurofeedback training group or a sham feedback group. Both groups will receive training to use cognitive reappraisal strategies while viewing negative images. Real-time brain activity in the target PFC region will be monitored and used to provide visual feedback in the experimental group, while the sham group will receive prerecorded feedback. The study is double-blinded, so neither participants nor experimenters will know group assignments. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires before and after training and undergo a cold-pressor test to assess stress and pain regulation. Researchers will measure the success of neurofeedback based on brain activity within 35 minutes of training, and evaluate effects on emotion and pain regulation during the 50-60 minute post-training period. The trial includes detailed monitoring of brain function and behavioral responses to understand how these methods influence emotion control.

Enhancing Emotion Regulation Through Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)-Informed Real-time Neurofeedback