Exposure to combat experiences is associated with increased risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy have garnered a significant amount of empirical support for PTSD treatment; however, they are not universally effective with some patients continuing to struggle with residual PTSD symptoms. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the autonomic nervous system functioning and reflects an individual's ability to adaptively cope with stress. A pilot study was undertaken to determine if veterans with PTSD (as measured by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale and the PTSD Checklist) would show significantly different HRV prior to an intervention at baseline compared to controls; specifically, to determine whether the HRV among veterans with PTSD is more depressed than that among veterans without PTSD. The study also aimed at assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of providing HRV biofeedback as a treatment for PTSD. The findings suggest that implementing an HRV biofeedback as a treatment for PTSD is effective, feasible, and acceptable for veterans. Veterans with combat-related PTSD displayed significantly depressed HRV as compared to subjects without PTSD. When the veterans with PTSD were randomly assigned to receive either HRV biofeedback plus treatment as usual (TAU) or just TAU, the results indicated that HRV biofeedback significantly increased the HRV while reducing symptoms of PTSD. However, the TAU had no significant effect on either HRV or symptom reduction. A larger randomized control trial to validate these findings appears warranted.

Theory and previous research suggests that culture, traditional masculine ideology, and early relational experiences may affect male body image. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of ethnicity, gender role conflict, and differentiation of self (DOS) on body image and self-objectification among 202 college men. Results indicated that ethnicity and aspects of DOS were significant predictors of body image dissatisfaction, whereas aspects of gender role conflict and DOS were predictors of self-objectification. A particularly noteworthy finding of the study was that a clear sense of self and a lack of emotional enmeshment are related to low body image concerns and low self-objectification among men.

Although an extensive body of empirical literature supports the efficacy of individual exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there is substantial debate about the suitability of exposurebased techniques in group treatment settings. Whereas some clinicians and researchers have predicted that these techniques may vicariously traumatize patients, others have argued that the group setting may facilitate exposure work by offering opportunities for normalization and social support. Few studies, however, have explored patients' opinions on group exposure. This study examined veterans' perspectives on the effectiveness and tolerability of a 12-week model of group-based exposure therapy (GBET) for PTSD. Analysis of qualitative and quantitative self-report data from 20 combat veterans indicated that participants were highly satisfied with GBET and experienced it as both helpful and acceptable. Eighty-five percent of the sample (n ϭ 16) evidenced reliable reductions in PTSD symptoms from preto posttreatment, without experiencing symptom exacerbation over the course of treatment. The observed dropout rate was low (5%, n ϭ 1), and treatment completers reported that commitment to the group was instrumental in their decision to remain in treatment. Veterans described that hearing other group members' in-session imaginal exposures had a normalizing effect, and they indicated that feedback from fellow veterans on their own imaginal exposures was the most helpful aspect of GBET.