Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling

作者： Wanying Wang*1,2, Liying Chen*1,3, Yinying Hu4, Ya Zhang1,3 1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science,East China Normal University, 2School of Psychology and Cognitive Science,East China Normal University, 3School of Health and Clinical Psychology,East China Normal University, 4School of Psychology,Shanghai Normal University

简介：

Overview

This study provides a detailed methodology for conducting a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning study within the context of psychological counseling. It investigates inter-brain synchrony between clients and counselors, as well as the relationship with counseling outcomes. The study aims to improve ecological validity and participant comfort while using fNIRS technology.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Neuroscience
• Psychological Counseling
• Inter-brain Synchrony

Background

• Development of a standardized fNIRS scanning protocol.
• Focus on the inter-brain activity in counseling settings.
• Issues of ecological validity and participant discomfort noted.
• Advantages of fNIRS over FMRI and EEG are highlighted.

Purpose of Study

• Measure inter-brain synchrony between clients and counselors.
• Examine correlations with working alliance and counseling outcomes.
• Address challenges in current fNIRS applications in counseling.

Methods Used

• The study employs fNIRS as its primary measurement platform.
• Interactive sessions with clients and counselors are utilized as the model.
• No multiomics workflow is mentioned.
• Prominent timelines include a 40-minute counseling session and a 5-minute resting state before it.
• Detailed setup procedures for the fNIRS system are provided.

Main Results

• Significant correlations between inter-brain synchrony and counseling outcomes were observed.
• Adult attachment style was found to modulate these correlations.
• Signal quality and participant comfort were central to the findings.
• Improvements in protocol aim to enhance data validity and participant experience.

Conclusions

• The study demonstrates that fNIRS can be effectively used to explore dynamics in psychological counseling.
• It highlights how inter-brain synchrony influences counseling effectiveness.
• Insights gained can inform future research into therapeutic processes and outcomes.

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