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Exposure to virtual reality phobic environments was used with patients with chronic agoraphobia. The exposure to virtual stimuli has been verified as a useful procedure in treating phobic disorders. However, there are some specific problems with agoraphobia (determining phobic stimuli, avatars, etc.). The aim of this experimental study is to test a combined treatment, virtual reality exposure and cognitive-behavioral treatment (VRET), compared with a traditional cognitive-behavioral approach (CBT), in reducing agoraphobia symptoms. Two experimental groups were used. 15 patients with chronic agoraphobia received a VRET procedure (3D), and 13 received CBT. Both groups had 11 treatment sessions. The post-treatment measurements included a brief behavioral avoidance test (BAT). Results showed a significant improvement in agoraphobia symptoms (cognition, body sensation, level of anxiety, depression) in both groups. In general, this improvement remained three months later. Also, the BAT procedure indicated the ability of most patients to deal with a phobic environment. Additionally, the VRET group showed a slight amelioration of symptoms compared with the CBT group. These data are discussed in terms of the specific difficulties of VRET with agoraphobia, and the viability of our seven virtual environments to generate an acceptable exposure to phobic stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender is an important influence on support-relevant social interactions, however findings of studies on gender differences in social support are not definitive. Although differences between men and women in the various social support measures have been found in numerous studies, neither the cause nor the explanatory process is known. This study examines gender differences in the dimensionality of social support. A large sample (N=3210) from the general population of women (60%) and men aged between 18 and 65 years old (Mean age=34.1) responded to a brief scale with items assessing the distinct functions of the perceived availability of social support. Confirmatory factor analyses yielded one factor in the women''s sample that measures global social support perceived, and two in the men''s. The first factor in the men''s sample measures emotional support (providing empathy, caring, validation of self-worth), and the second measures instrumental support (e.g. practical assistance or financial aid). We concluded that there are gender differences in the structure of perceived social support and that these differences can be explained by socialization experiences and social roles associated with gender. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]