Neurofeedback and Nomophobia in Young Adults

Introduction: Given the growing increase in addiction to social networks and smartphone use in young people and its implications for health, it is necessary to investigate effective interventions for the appropriate use of these technologies and coping with possible signs of addiction.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an intervention based on neurofeedback techniques on anxiety and other disorders associated with problematic use of mobile phones and the internet in young adults.

Methodology: Randomised controlled clinical trial with two parallel groups: an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The study population will be young adults aged 18-30 years. A sample size of 40 participants has been estimated, 20 in each group to detect a difference of 3.9 points or more on the DASS-21 anxiety questionnaire.

All participants will receive an educational workshop on the responsible use of new technologies and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The IG, in addition to this educational workshop, will receive 25 neurofeedback sessions during 12 weeks, 2-3 sessions/week with the MUSE neurofeedback device.

A baseline and 3-month post-intervention assessment will be conducted for both groups to study change variables related to smartphone addiction (Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV)), nomophobia (Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q)), depression, anxiety and stress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21-item (DASS-21)) and sleep quality.