Assoc. for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback - AAPB

02/18/2026

AAPB Virtual Education - You'll learn about the latest research on TMS-induced heart–brain coupling — derived from heart-rate signals — and how biomarkers may help move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches.

🧠⚡ Martijn Arns, PhD connects functional brain networks in depression to practical TMS targeting — with a heart-based biomarker (heart–brain coupling) that may support more personalized treatment decisions.

If you work in neurofeedback and/or qEEG, this one speaks your language: networks, biomarkers, and clinical implications. 🔬📈

If you're an HRV biofeedback clinician, this is a fascinating bridge between physiology and targeting decisions: TMS-induced heart–brain coupling, and the emerging evidence for using HR data to individualize targeting and stimulation thresholds (including validation/replication work). 💓🧠

Explore the frontal–vagal network, its overlap with depression networks, and how heart–brain coupling could inform individualized TMS targeting and thresholding — with implications for precision biofeedback. 🧠📍📊

Can heart-rate data reveal brain network effects of stimulation? Find out the latest on TMS-induced heart–brain coupling, including validation work using fMRI and DBS, and what it might mean for clinicians using biofeedback and neurofeedback. 🔬⚡🧠

🗓 Wednesday, March 11, 2026

⏰ 1:00–2:00 PM Eastern | 12:00–1:00 Central | 11:00–12:00 Mountain | 10:00–11:00 Pacific

🎓 1.0 CE credit (live attendance required)

🔗 Register: http://aapb.starchapter.com/meet-reg1.php?id=54

02/18/2026

Can less be more in stress management for multiple sclerosis? Our new study suggests a condensed 4-session protocol yields gains in mood and physiologic stability.

02/18/2026

Academic pressure at school linked to higher levels of depression and self-harm that can persist into early adulthood, study suggests.

The study authors suggest that whole-school approaches, such as reducing high-stakes testing, supporting social and emotional skills, alongside changes in education policy, could all help to ease levels of academic pressure. Access the full study 👉 http://spkl.io/6184AQMXI

Figure: Measurement of depressive symptoms and self-harm in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

02/18/2026

A study finds that people who did one specific form of brain training in the 1990s were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the next 20 years.

02/18/2026

*Emerging trends in neuroscience* Key Points: • Biofeedback shows consistent promise for reducing student stress and anxiety, and is generally well accepted in university populations. • The biggest scientific gaps are methodological: small samples, limited active controls/blinding, and short fol...

02/17/2026

🧠 New research in 'European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience' finds that patients with post-COVID condition show impaired episodic memory processes—affecting encoding, learning, storage and retrieval, with susceptibility to semantic interference.

Link in the comments.

02/17/2026

HAPPENING THIS FRIDAY! JOIN US!

The AAPB Women in the Science of Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback Group is pleased to host our next online discussion forum. Save the date and make plans to join us. This session is complimentary and limited to women only.

Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Time: 1 pm to 2 pm (Eastern)
Focus: Women Leadership and Innovation in Turbulent Times

Moderated by Sarah Scott and led by Mari Swingle, PhD, we will discuss past and ever-present challenges of being a woman in the sciences and healing. This forum provides an open, informal and confidential dialogue, intended as support and community service, and will not be recorded.

The theme of February's discussion is, "Women Leadership and Innovation in Turbulent Times." We will feature a guided meditation as part of the session so we can ground together, in addition to giving reverence to the accomplishments of Alyce Green (an AAPB foremother), regulating our nervous systems anywhere threats are felt, and discussing our successes and concerns in extraordinary times. This session is open to women only.

AAPB created this workgroup to highlight incredible research contributions, clinical achievements, lift the voices of junior researchers, and address unique circumstances of women involved in the intervention of applied psychophysiology and biofeedback.

Our intention is to celebrate and honor the empowering stories of those women who have paved the way for future generations. AAPB honors all women’s accomplishments in scientific progress, science leadership, science policy, science communication, and student mentorship.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER TODAY!
https://aapb.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=57&ts=1769793586

02/16/2026

AAPB Virtual Education: When Psychophysiology Meets Psychotherapy: Applications and Technical Fine Points

This presentation will review evidence for effectiveness of biofeedback-based and related psychophysiological approaches, when combined with psychotherapy, and will review fine points for use of these therapies. These will include hypnotic approaches to maximizing effectiveness of autogenic training, methods for achieving close to zero residual tension in progressive muscle relaxation, and ways of using HRV biofeedback for maximum effectiveness.

About Our Presenter: Paul Lehrer received his PhD in clinical psychology from Harvard University in 1969 and took his psychology internship at the Stanford Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital. He came to Rutgers in 1970, and retired in 2020, after having completed 50 years of teaching at Rutgers University. Dr. Lehrer has published over 150 papers in journals and books and is senior editor of the text Principles and Practice of Stress Management, of which the 4th edition appeared in the spring of 2021. He has given workshops on stress management and applied psychophysiology in eight countries and regularly presents them at scientific and professional meetings. He is past president of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and has received this society’s Distinguished Scientist and Lifetime Achievement awards. He received the Exceptional Achievement Award from the Biofeedback Foundation of Europe. He also has served as president of the US chapter of the International Stress Management Association and the International Society for Advancement of Respiratory Psychophysiology. He is past editor-in-chief of the journal Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, and member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Stress Management.

Learn more here and register today!
https://aapb.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=61&ts=1770831215

02/15/2026

02/14/2026

Valentine's Day is often a celebration of love, connection, and the beating of our hearts—quite literally! It's a wonderful reminder that caring for our hearts goes beyond romance; it's about nurturing our overall health every single day.

Heart rate variability (HRV), the measure of time fluctuations between consecutive heartbeats, offers a window into our body's balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems. A higher HRV is often a sign of resilience and a well-functioning heart that can adapt to stress, while lower HRV might be a signal that it's time to slow down and take better care of ourselves.

This Valentine's Day, consider the connection between heart health and the love you share with others. When you're in close relationships, both psychological and physical stressors can affect your HRV. Celebrating with loved ones, engaging in affectionate Cuddle sessions, shared laughter, or simply taking a quiet moment to be mindful together can all help improve emotional well-being—and that, in turn, benefits your heart health. Moreover, measuring HRV can be an empowering tool. By understanding your body's responses to stress, exercise, and relaxation, you can make informed decisions about your lifestyle. Whether you're engaging in physical activities like walking hand in hand, practicing yoga, or meditating together, these heart-friendly practices can boost your HRV and contribute to overall wellness.

Here are a few tips to integrate HRV awareness into your everyday routine:
• Mindful Moments: Take time each day to pause, breathe deeply, and appreciate your body's signals. Even a few minutes of focused relaxation can help improve HRV.
• Regular Physical Activity: Moderate exercise such as brisk walking or dancing to your favorite love songs can enhance cardiovascular flexibility and resilience.
• Quality Sleep: Prioritize restorative sleep. A well-rested heart is more responsive to life's challenges.
• Connect with Loved Ones: Whether it's sharing heartfelt conversations or simple acts of kindness, social connection is a key ingredient in reducing stress and nurturing a sustainable, healthy heart.

As you celebrate Valentine's Day or simply reflect on the importance of love in all its forms, take a moment to appreciate the vital role of heart rate variability in maintaining a vibrant, healthy life. Embracing HRV awareness is not just about understanding heart health—it's about loving yourself enough to care for the rhythms of your body, every day of the year.

Remember, a healthy heart paves the way for a joyful and resilient life. So, this Valentine's Day, let your heart lead the way toward lasting wellness and true connection.

02/13/2026

AAPB is pleased to highlight the important work of Dr. Stephen Sideroff as one of our keynote presenters. His presentation, "From Stress Management to Resilience: Development of a comprehensive model and approach to psychological transformation and optimal functioning," will be featured on Friday, May 15 at 10:30 am, in Baltimore.

ABOUT THIS PRESENTATION:
Resilience is not simply the ability to “bounce back,” and recover baseline, but as the capacity to sustain optimal functioning across physiological, psychological, relational, and existential domains in the face of stress and adversity. In this keynote address, Dr. Stephen Sideroff presents his Nine‑Component (Pillars) Model of Resilience, developed through decades of clinical practice, research, and integration of behavioral medicine, psychophysiology, and mind–body interventions. The Nine‑Component Model conceptualizes resilience as a dynamic, trainable system that supports self‑regulation, recovery, adaptability, and growth. The model includes core elements such as physiological regulation and recovery, emotional healing and flexibility, cognitive appraisal and meaning‑making, relational attunement and co‑regulation, values‑based purpose, behavioral adaptability, healthy engagement, and integrative self‑awareness. Together, these components provide a comprehensive framework for understanding resilience as optimal functioning rather than symptom reduction alone. The presentation will review the theoretical foundations of the model, drawing from contemporary resilience science, neurobiology of stress and recovery, and psychophysiological research. Construct of “The Path” will be introduced as a methodology for sustained effort, mobilizing motivation, engaging reward systems and reducing overwhelm. Emphasis on the use of biofeedback, heart‑rate variability training, breathing, attentional regulation, and other innovative interventions to help strengthen specific resilience components. Case examples will illustrate how the model informs assessment, treatment planning, and outcome measurement in behavioral medicine, trauma‑informed care, chronic illness, and performance‑focused settings. Current research on the relationship between the 9-pillar model and rate of aging will be presented. Presentation will include practical strategies for integrating the Nine‑Component Model into clinical and performance environments. Attendees will gain a clear, clinically actionable framework for enhancing resilience that can be adapted across diverse populations, cultural contexts, and professional disciplines.

ABOUT DR. SIDEROFF:
Dr. Stephen Sideroff is an internationally recognized psychologist, consultant, and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA’s School of Medicine, with a joint appointment in Rheumatology. For over four decades, he has advanced pioneering behavioral and mind–body approaches to stress-related psychological and medical conditions. He founded Stress Strategies at UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital and has developed innovative training and treatment programs implemented internationally. Dr. Sideroff’s work focuses on how stress, emotional factors, and nervous system dysregulation influence health, performance, and aging—particularly how these factors lower physiological thresholds and increase vulnerability to illness. A respected thought leader, he has published groundbreaking research on brain–behavior relationships and is frequently invited to speak on resilience, peak performance, leadership, and transformational psychology. He has hosted global summits on longevity, resilience, and leadership, and is the host of the acclaimed podcast Quantum Leadership. His latest book, The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Master Stress, Slow Aging & Increase Vitality, integrates decades of clinical, research, and applied experience into a practical framework for sustainable health and human potential.

Learn more about the AAPB Annual Meeting here:
https://aapb.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=43&ts=1763415344

AAPB promotes the science underlying applied psychophysiology, biofeedback, and neurofeedback to improve health, quality of life, and performance through research, education, and practice.