Effects of Neurofeedback Training on Subjective Happiness, Self-Esteem, and Quantitative Electroencephalography of Children from Vulnerable Family

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of neurofeedback training on subjective happiness, self-esteem, and quantitative electroencephalography of children from vulnerable family. Methods This study was conducted from January to December, 2023. A quasi-experimental control group pretest-posttest design was used. Children from vulnerable family (multicultural family, single-parent family, and grandparents' family) were allocated to the experimental group (n=28), while children from general family were allocated to the comparative group (n=9). Children in both groups underwent neurofeedback training for 30 minutes at once a week for 42 weeks. The subjective happiness and self-esteem were measured via a self-reported questionnaire and quantitative electroencephalography was measured high beta waves (left and right) by using Neurobrain. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent samples t-test and paired samples t-test. Results As a result, the experimental group had subjective happiness higher than the comparative group (t=-2.491, p=.019). Furthermore, subjective happiness (t=-2.526, p=.018), and high beta wave (right) as quantitative electroencephalography (t=2.817, p=.009) had improved significantly in the experimental group. However, there were no significant differences in the comparative group (p<.05). Conclusions Consequentially, neurofeedback training was found to be an effective learner-centered education strategy for improving subjective happiness and quantitative electroencephalography of children from vulnerable family. Thus, neurofeedback training is recommended to support children from vulnerable family.