Journal of Neurodevelopmental Cognition
Quarterly Publication

The Effect of a Single-Session Biofeedback Intervention on the Regulation of Induced Stress and Working Memory Performance

https://doi.org/10.48308/jncog.2026.244359.1037

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 September 2026
Journal of Neurodevelopmental Cognition

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Zohreh Mashkoori 1
Reza Khosrowabadi 2

1 MSc cognitive science, Institute of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University

2 Institute of Cognitive and Brain Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Background: Acute stress can impair cognitive functioning, particularly working memory. Various methods including biofeedback has received attention for stress management purpose; however, the effectiveness of single-session biofeedback interventions on cognitive performance has been less studied. This study examined whether heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback can moderate stress levels and improve working memory following stress induction.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the management of working memory performance after stress induction using a single-session HRV biofeedback intervention in healthy individuals.
Method: This quantitative, quasi experimental study employed a pre-test – post-test design. 29 healthy participants aged 18-40 years from Tehran were recruited after initial screening. In the in-person session, the N‑back task was administered twice to obtain baseline measurements. Stress was then induced, and its effect was measured afterward. The N‑back task was subsequently performed for the third time, followed by the HRV biofeedback intervention. Immediately after the intervention, participants completed the N‑back task again. Data were analysed through within-subject comparisons across different phases and overall group level analyses.
Findings: The results indicated that the level of stress could influence working memory performance, while the response to a single session of biofeedback may vary depending on the initial stress level.
Conclusion: The effectiveness of biofeedback for stress management and working memory performance may be influenced by the degree of stress induced before the intervention session. Therefore, future studies should examine higher levels of stress induction and different HRV biofeedback intervention protocols.

Keywords

Working Memory
Acute Stress
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV Biofeedback)
  • Receive Date 14 May 2026
  • Revise Date 26 August 2026
  • Accept Date 26 August 2026

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