Fred Shaffer

Fred Shaffer is a Biological Psychologist and Professor at Truman State University's Psychology Department, where he has proudly taught since 1975. He serves as the director of the Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology and is currently the President of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB).

Shaffer earned his BA in Psychology and Political Science with a minor in Philosophy/Religion from Claremont Men's College in 1971, followed by an MS in Clinical Psychology in 1973 and a PhD in Social-Personality Psychology in 1975 from Oklahoma State University.

His research focuses on heart rate variability (HRV), physiological psychology, and biofeedback. Shaffer has pioneered work in HRV biofeedback, resonance frequency assessment, and alternative methods like rhythmical skeletal muscle tension to increase HRV. His research has demonstrated the complex relationship between the heart and brain, showing that a healthy heart exhibits complex oscillations rather than metronome-like regularity.

His publications show a strong trend toward practical applications of HRV research, particularly in developing accessible biofeedback techniques and establishing normative values. His work bridges theoretical physiological principles with clinical applications across multiple domains including stress management, emotional regulation, and performance enhancement.

• Walker and Doris Allen Fellowship for Faculty Excellence (2008)
• Outstanding Research Mentor of the Year award (2013)
• AAPB Distinguished Scientist award (2019)
• BCIA created a scholarship in his honor for HRV Biofeedback applicants (2021)

Shaffer has mentored an award-winning undergraduate research team for over 48 years, with notable students including Christopher Zerr, who received the Omicron Delta Kappa Outstanding Leadership award in 2015. He has served as Chair and Treasurer of the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), which certifies professionals in 35 countries. His Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology has received generous support from BioSource Software, Thought Technology Ltd., and the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.

He directs the Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology, which has conducted HRV research for over thirty years. The center has trained biofeedback professionals internationally in locations including Portugal, Italy, Australia, UK, Netherlands, Hong Kong, South Africa, Germany, Rome, Thailand, and Venice. Shaffer provides online biofeedback education through BioSource Software LLC and has served as a contributing editor for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and Biofeedback Magazine.