Exploring the Potential of Biofeedback in Promoting Student Well-being: A SWOT Analysis

Anxiety is prevalent among college students and can be detrimental to well-being, academic success, and mental health. Alternative treatments have been suggested, among which biofeedback stands out as a non-pharmacological and individualized intervention. This article aims to examine the role of biofeedback in reducing anxiety among college students. For that, we carried out an initial literature review, mainly based on a recent systematic review, to conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. Evidence indicates that biofeedback lowers anxiety and is well accepted by students. Limitations concern methodological issues of the studies on this intervention (e.g., small sample sizes, no active control groups, and limited long-term follow-up). The rise of mobile and biometric technologies provides opportunities for interventions to become more accessible. However, obstacles such as the stigmatization of seeking psychosocial care, low adherence to preventive measures, and logistical barriers persist. Biofeedback has proven to be a safe and effective treatment modality, nevertheless, further efforts are needed to support its integration and applicability within academic environments.