Biofeedback-assisted EMG reduction and subsequent self-disclosure.

A male E and a female E each conducted a single session of EMG biofeedback training with 24 male and 24 female Ss (N =96) under one of three conditions: verbal reinforcement presented contingently on EMG reduction, yoked noncontingent verbal reinforcement, and no verbal reinforcement. After the biofeedback session, all Ss completed a Journard Self-disclosure Scale. Sex of S and verbal reinforcement conditions did not affect EMG biofeedback performance, but Ss treated by the male E decreased EMG mean and standard deviation more than Ss treated by the female E (p less than .01). Ss who received noncontingent verbal reinforcement reported being least willing to disclose to the E (p less than .05). These results are discussed in terms of the interpersonal influences that may affect biofeedback performance and self-disclosure.