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Social interactions in virtual reality exposure therapy: : A proof-of-concept pilot study

Published: 22 September 2015 Publication History

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Research on virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has demonstrated good treatment efficacy with regards to several anxiety disorders. Yet, there is lack of knowledge about the value of integrating interaction between clients and virtual humans in VRET. Such interaction might prove effective in treating psychological complaints that involve social interactions, such as social anxiety.
METHODS: A VRET system specifically designed to expose clients with social anxiety disorder to anxiety provoking social situations was applied to 16 and 18 individuals with high and low levels of social anxiety, respectively. Participants engaged in two exposure sessions in several free speech dialogues with virtual humans while being monitored by a therapist.
RESULTS: Participants with high levels of social anxiety reported significantly lower levels of social anxiety three months after exposure to two virtual reality interaction sessions than before treatment (p < 0.01). In the group with low levels of social anxiety, no significant change of social anxiety was reported between pre-treatment and follow-up. Additionally, participants in both groups reported higher self-efficacy three months after treatment than before treatment (ps ≤ 0.001).
CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that virtual reality technology that incorporates social interactions may be successfully applied for therapeutic purposes.

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  • (2018)A Mixed Reality Based Social Interactions Testbed: A Game Theory ApproachVirtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality: Applications in Health, Cultural Heritage, and Industry10.1007/978-3-319-91584-5_4(40-56)Online publication date: 15-Jul-2018

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        cover image Technology and Health Care
        Technology and Health Care  Volume 23, Issue 5
        Sep 2015
        159 pages

        Publisher

        IOS Press

        Netherlands

        Publication History

        Published: 22 September 2015

        Author Tags

        1. Virtual reality
        2. exposure
        3. social phobia
        4. social anxiety

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        • (2018)A Mixed Reality Based Social Interactions Testbed: A Game Theory ApproachVirtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality: Applications in Health, Cultural Heritage, and Industry10.1007/978-3-319-91584-5_4(40-56)Online publication date: 15-Jul-2018

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