It is with great pride that we celebrate the completion of our 16th year atCyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (CYBER). As Editor-in-Chief, I have had the pleasure of seeing both CYBER’s inception and continued growth. Originally focused more on theoretical issues and ‘what ifs’ of technology and healthcare, the Journal’s studies continue to show that adding advanced technologies can increase efficacy in many areas of diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of both cognitive and physical disorders. With the advent of new social networking tools, the Journal continues to focus on the impact (both positive and negative) of social networking tools such as Twitterand Facebook on individual behavior, relationships, and society as a whole. We continue to attract rigorous scientific studies that explore the impact of advanced technologies. With the addition of our new editors from Europe and Asia, we continue to emphasize the global nature of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. In 2013, we also took another important step forward, becoming the official journal of the International Association of CyberPsychology, Training, & Rehabilitation (iACToR). The Journal of CyberTherapy & Rehabilitation merged with us and as a result, authors conducting rigorous studies now have a higher-profile home for their articles. In addition, CYBER is the official journal of the CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference, now in its 19th year, offering yet another opportunity for dissemination of our Journal’s research to a wider international audience. We realize the importance placed upon publication in a scientifically rigorous journal, with Impact Factor and indexing being two key elements for our academic partners. We continue to see an increase in downloads, reflecting the importance others place upon our publication as a must-have information source. The Journal is widely accessible in key libraries and institutions in over 170 countries around the world. As well, the Journal continues to attract significant attention from the international media—the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Forbes Magazine, ABC news, and other prestigious media outlets. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking is proud to be a part of the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers family of journals. We continue to seek out manuscripts on focused topics, both as rapid communications and original articles. As always we thank you for your continued belief in our mission, for your subscriptions as well as your submissions. Best Wishes, |
Author: Brenda Wiederhold
Prof. Wiederhold Awarded Fellow in Biofeedback
Wheat Ridge, CO – The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance, formerly the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA), is pleased to announce that Brenda K. Wiederhold is now also a Fellow in Biofeedback. Professor Wiederhold joins an elite group of professionals who have met the educational, clinical, ethical, and exam criteria required in order to become a certified provider of biofeedback services. For further information, click the following link:
BCIA Congratulates Brenda K. Wiederhold, Brussels, Psychologist on Becoming a Fellow in Biofeedback
Prof. Wiederhold Awarded Sr. Fellow in Neurofeedback
Wheat Ridge, CO – The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance, formerly the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA), is pleased to announce that Brenda Wiederhold has gained a higher level of progressive certification in neurofeedback. Professor Wiederhold joins an elite group of professionals who have met an advanced level of continuing education and experience required in order to maintain their credential as a certified provider of neurofeedback services. For further information, select the following link: Press Release Neurofeedback.
VRMI Featured in BrusselsLifeTech
VRMI was recently reatured in BrusselsLifeTech Newsletter. You can find more information here.
CYPSY19 – Call For Papers
19th Annual
CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy and Social Networking Conference (CYPSY19)
Connecting the Virtual and the Real:
Transforming Health & Well-being
June 17-19, 2014 Washington, D.C.
http://www.interactivemediainstitute.com/cypsy19
CALL FOR PAPERS
Abstract Submission Deadline: January 1, 2014
Full Paper Submission Deadline: March 15, 2014
The 19th Annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference (CYPSY19) will take place on June 17-19, 2014 in Washington, D.C.. Jointly organised by the Interactive Media Institute, in collaboration with the Virtual Reality Medical Institute, Uniformed Services University, and International Association of CyberPsychology, Training & Rehabilitation, the conference is an international networking and sharing platform for researchers, clinicians, policymakers, funding agents and industry leaders to share and discuss advancements in advanced technologies, such as Virtual Reality, and healthcare. The conference will explore how these technologies are changing individual behavior, societal relationships, and interpersonal interactions.
We are honored to have U.S. Congresswoman Grace Napolitano as our opening Keynote Speaker. Congresswoman Napolitano revitalized the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and has hosted congressional briefings on children’s mental health, veterans’ mental health, and suicide prevention.
To submit your abstract, please visit our website shortly at interactivemediainstitute.com/CYPSY19 or submit directly here. For further information, please contact the conference coordinator, Chelsie Boyd, at cybertherapy@vrphobia.com.
Because of the international nature of CYPSY19 and the expanded focus of its theme, we recognize the importance of extending our invitation to participants around the world interested and dedicated to enhancing public awareness of how technology can overcome obstacles and increase access to top quality healthcare for all citizens.
Dates
| First Call for Abstracts | 15 Sep. 2013 |
| Abstract Deadline Submission | 1 Jan. 2014 |
| Notification of Acceptance/Rejection of Abstract | 1 Mar. 2014 |
| Full Paper/Presentation Requirements | 15 Mar. 2014 |
| Oral Presenter 2-page CV Deadline | 15 Mar. 2014 |
| Early Registration Deadline | 15 Apr. 2014 |
| Late Registration Deadline | 1 Jun. 2014 |
CYPSY19 Tentative Schedule
17 June – Preconference Workshops
17 June – Full day Clinician Training on VR and Physiology to Treat PTSD
18 Conference – Conference Day 1
Cyberarium
Poser Session
19 June – Conference Day 2
Gala Dinner
Abstract and Presentation Themes
CYPSY19 focus areas include:
1. The Impact of Technologies as Tools
CYPSY19 will continue its examination of the exciting applications of advanced technologies being used in training, therapy, rehabilitation, and education for the improvement of the quality and availability of healthcare for people around the globe.
2. The Influence of New Technologies
CYPSY19 will further its investigation into how new technologies are influencing behavior and society through the use of positive technology, healthy ageing and well-being.
3. The Imprint of Social Networking
CYPSY19 will embrace, as it did in 2012, the exploration of how social networking tools are changing individual behavior, interpersonal relationships, and society.
4. The Introduction of New Technologies and New Terms
CYPSY19 will study the psychological aspects of new areas influenced by technology such as cyberfashion, cyberadvertising and cyberstalking.
Encouraged Topics
Encouraged topics include but are not limited to:
• Advanced Interaction Training
• Videogames
• Telehealth & Telepresence
• Video‐conferencing
• Robotics
• Brain Computer Interfaces
• Cognitive Rehabilitation & Therapy
• Wearable computing
• Non-invasive physiological monitoring devices
• Positive Technology
• Social Networking in Healthcare
• Information Technologies
• Social implications of Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• Neurorehabilitation
• Mobile healthcare
• Cyberbullying
• Health Applications
• Healthy Ageing
• Games for Health
• Serious Games
• Apps for Kids
Abstract and Presentation Types
You can submit an abstract to one of the following three types of communications:
· Poster
· Oral
· Early Innovators Session
Oral presentations are 15 minutes whereas presentations in the Early Innovators Session, the panel dedicated to student presentations, are 10 minutes.
Submission of Abstracts and Papers
If you would like to present a poster, an oral presentation or a student oral presentation at CYPSY19, please submit an abstract for the Scientific Committee to review based off of the guidelines below. Workshops submissions are by invitation only.
Review Procedure: Each submission is peer-reviewed and will be selected based on scientific merit. Abstracts should clearly outline results from scientific studies. All presentations must contain original and scientifically valid information. Reports on completed research are clearly favored over descriptions of planned research. Commercial promotion and funding requests are not appropriate. The Scientific Committee will blindly review all abstracts and may invite author(s) to make a poster presentation at the conference even if they requested an oral presentation. The oral/poster/reject decision is at the discretion of the Scientific Committee.
Abstract Preparation:
· Required structure: Title, Author/s, Affiliation/s, Short Abstracts (250 words), Keywords, Introduction/Problem, Method/Tools, Results, Conclusion. You must adhere to the document format requirements of IOS Press.
· Novelty/Discussion: Please cover what makes this research different from prior work by you or by others. Please focus on the most unique aspect of your research, instead of broad implications.
· References: Optional but appreciated. Please use ONLY the IOS Press standard bibliographic format (see instructions and below).
· File formats: Acceptable formats are Word 97, Word 2000, or Word XP format (.doc). No .docx or LaTeX, please.
· The conference is in English and all abstracts will need to be in English. Please check spelling and grammar as your abstract will be printed in the conference syllabus.
· Please visit IOS Press to download the instructions. Abstracts that do not meet the required criteria will be sent back to the author to be re-formatted.
Abstract and Full Paper Publication
· Presenters are required to submit a 2-page extended abstract which should include a short abstract (250 words).
· For those who present their oral/student abstract in person, their full paper will be published in the Annual Review of CyberTherapy and Telemedicine, indexed in PsycINFO.
Presenter Requirements:
· Oral presentations are to be 15 minutes long plus 5 minutes for questions. Student presentations are 10 minutes long plus 5 minutes for questions.
· Presenters must register for the conference. There is a limit of one oral/symposium presentation per first author per registration. For a full paper to be published in IOS Press, the study must be presented in person at the conference. Any absences will result in forfeiture of registration costs as well as an automatic rejection in the inclusion of the full paper in the Annual Review of CyberTherapy and Telemedicine. (ARCTT)
Student Symposium
Sponsored by the iACToR Student SIG, the Student Symposium will provide students an opportunity to have a dedicated session during the conference. Please see above for the abstract submission guidelines.
Online Submission
When you are ready to submit your abstract, please visit http://www.interactivemediainstitute.com/CYPSY19 or here. More information will be asked during submission of your abstract, such as name of the author, affiliation, and if your study is completed or still in progress.
For more information regarding abstract submission or the call of papers, please email cybertherapy@vrphobia.com.
CYBER18 Highlights
The 18th annual CyberPsychology, CyberTherapy & Social Networking Conference was held in Brussels, Belgium. From June 30 – July 2, 2013. The official conference of the International Association of Cyberpsychology, Training & Rehabilitation (iACToR) hosted prominent academic representatives from 15 countries including The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Canada, Portugal and the United States. iACToR’s Secretary General and conference host Professor Brenda K. Wiederhold, was the Conference Chair. Workshop chair Stéphane Bouchard, Ph.D. began the preconference workshops on June 30th. Many attendees joined in on the interactive sessions, which included a wide array of topics including electronic health coaching, virtual reality for mental health, and the relationship between social networks and healthcare. The workshops were a great success and allowed for a lively exchange of ideas and research objectives.
CYPSY18’s theme, Where Healthcare & Technology Connect, examined applications of advanced technologies being used in training, therapy, rehabilitation, and education for the improvement of the quality and availability of healthcare. Adding to this, attendees talked and shared valuable information about the influence of new technologies and how they impacted behavior and society through the use of positive technology, healthy ageing and well being. The conference shed light on a fairly new phenomenon in the healthcare industry – the imprint of social networking and how these platforms shape individual behavior, interpersonal relationships, and society. The last concept discussed at the conference was the introduction of new technologies and new terms. CYPSY18 studied the psychological aspects of new areas influenced by technology, such as cyberstalking.
For the second year in a row, Robert Madelin officially began the conference after Professor Brenda K. Wiederhold’s welcoming remarks. The Director-General for DG CONNECT discussed “Cyber Everything in Horizon 2020”, in which he described how the program will, in the near future, generate innovation, competitiveness and funding for top level research in the European Union.
The second keynote speaker was Richard M. Satava, Professor Emeritus of Surgery at the University of Washington, Seattle and this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Professor Satava spoke on “Advanced Technologies That Will Change Behaviors – Humanoid Robots, 3-D Printers, and Other Extraordinary Discoveries”, a highly interesting talk on topics surrounding the future of progressive scientific and technological methods.
The first day concluded with a poster session involving Ph.D candidates and professional researchers alike. This was an opportunity for scientists to share their ideas with each other and with interested spectators. In a parallel session, the Cyberarium allowed developers and researchers to present their prototypes to prospective buyers, members of the media, and others in the scientific community. This year, the EU-funded INTERSTRESS project and the Oculus Rift, an up and coming consumer priced virtual reality headset, were among the most popular displays.
Two Ph.D. students were presented with the Young Minds Research Award; Fillipo La Paglia and Claudia Carissoli, who presented posters entitled “Neuropsychological Assessment through NeuroVirtual Reality in OCD Patients” and “Mindfulness and New Technologies: Creating and Testing a Brief Protocol to Reduce Stress”, respectively. The New Investigator Award was given to Sungkun Cho for his work in “Body Swapping Training for Patients with CRPS Using a Virtual Body”.
Those of us at the CyberTherapy & Rehabilitation Magazine would like to give a special thanks to all of the professional individuals and student participants who made the conference possible. CYPSY18’s Scientific Committee, Professors Willem-Paul Brinkman, Jose Gutierrez Maldonado, and Giuseppe Riva were people key to the conferences intellectual nature and were instrumental in generating feedback within the community. We would also like to sincerely thank the many institutions and organizations that sponsored the event. Without the support and contributions of the European Commission, eHealth Week, Hanyang University Institute of Aging Society, International Association of CyberPsychology, Training, & Rehabilitation (iACToR), Interactive Media Institute, INTERSTRESS, ISfTeH, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Mary Ann Libert, Inc. Publishers, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Universite du Quebec en Outaouais, Virtual Reality Medical Center (VRMC) and the Virtual Reality Medical Institute (VRMI) the event would not have been able to take place.
Real-Life Inception: Army Looks to ‘Counteract Nightmares’ With Digital Dreams
in Washington State which wiill help traumatized troops battle their nightmares — with soothing, digitally-made dreams crafted in virtual worlds.
To read the full article,click here.
Use VR Handhelds in Mass Casualty Disasters
Use VR Handhelds in Mass Casualty Disasters
How can governments and health organizations effectively prepare to handle mass casualty disasters? In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and hospitals have plans in place to handle people’s physical health needs, yet the mental health needs of survivors often get too little attention, too late.
To read the full article see: Use VR Handhelds in Mass Casualty Disasters.
China Hi-tech Fair 2013
Brussels, Belgium (June 27, 2013) – The Virtual Reality Medical Institute (VRMI) attended the China Hi-Tech Fair in Belgium, an overseas session of the China High Tech Fair in Shenzhen. The China High Tech Fair in Shenzhen (CHTF) is the largest, most influential scientific and technological fair in China. Nearly 3,000 exhibitors from 50 different countries normally attend CHTF, and visitor numbers have well surpassed 500,000. Brussels Invest & Export, Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Agoria hosted the event, held on June 27 2013, at the Hotel Sheraton Rogier. Representatives from 28 Chinese companies and institutions, as well as many Belgian-based companies, that were looking to find trading and technological partners in Belgium, were in attendance.
Virtual Reality Medical Institute (VRMI) uses simulation technologies in three main areas: 1) treating patients with stress, anxiety, and trauma, 2) training for military medical and civilian populations, and 3) enhancing medical educational programs. A Belgian corporation established in December 2006 with affiliates in the U.S. and China, VRMI principals are world leaders in applying VR technology in combination with physiological monitoring and feedback for training, therapy, and emerging applications. We are also focused on developing a comprehensive protocol to address an array of needs for military personnel and civilian first responders as well as emerging technologies for various security and intelligence operations. Having been involved in R&D projects in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. for the past 25 years, we have won over 50 competitive government contracts and look now towards marketing the developed products and protocols.
Representing VRMI at the fair were Prof. Dr. Brenda Wiederhold, President, and Stacey Kao, who is interning at VRMI through the study abroad program with Boston University Brussels.
Tackling Stress Head on
Virtual Reality Medical Institute (VRMI) is a Belgian SME headquartered in the Brussels Life Science Incubator on the Catholic University’s Brussels campus in Woluwe Saint-Lambert.
For the past 15 years, the company has been using simulation technologies in three main areas:
■ To treat patients with anxiety
disorders (phobias, panic and
post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD);
■ To train both military and civilian
populations; and
■ To enhance educational
programmes.
The virtual environments VRMI constructs uniformly elicit significant physiological arousal to replicate real-world experiences. The VRMI team attributes its strength to a cadre of highly experienced medical and psychology professionals, working in tandem with technical team members and end-users. VRMI’s development concept utilises a three-pronged approach. New concepts for products are initially discussed with clinicians and technical members of the team, which include software developers, programmers, hardware integrators and computer graphic artists. After feasibility studies are completed, the team creates prototypes and obtains informed consent and IRB approvals. Following this, these new, virtual worlds are first tested on normal controls and then on study participants. With the participants’ permission, technical team members speak to them about their impressions and thoughts on how to improve the VR software. VRMI has found that most participants are interested in communicating with both clinical and
technical members of the team. In other settings, the latter rarely receive input directly from users, so this feedback is valuable for improving the design of future environments and products to more closely match
end-user needs. Since our team includes international collaborators, we are able to create culturally sensitive VR systems designed for a more diverse group of users. VRMI serves on EU grants as both a Dissemination and Exploitation Work Package Leader and a Clinical Partner, using a combined communications platform of an annual international conference, specialised workshops, a quarterly magazine, a
scientific journal, a website information portal and a social networking site to provide information and education to interested stakeholders, whether they be policymakers, funding agents, academics or interested individual citizens.
The full article can be read here: “Tackling Stress Head On_B. Wiederhold“!