학술논문
Treatment of acrophobia in virtual reality: the role of immersion and presence
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Source
Behaviour Research and Therapy. Feb 2004, Vol. 42 Issue 2, p229, 11 p.
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
0005-7967
Abstract
In this study the effects of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) were investigated in patients with acrophobia. Feelings of presence in VRET were systematically varied by using either a head-mounted display (HMD) (low presence) or a computer automatic virtual environment (CAVE) (high presence). VRET in general was found to be more effective than no treatment. No differences were found in effectiveness between VRET using an HMD or CAVE. Results were maintained at 6 months follow-up. Results of VRET were comparable with those of exposure in vivo (Cyberpsychology and Behavior 4 (2001) 335). In treatment completers no relationship was found between presence and anxiety. Early drop-outs experienced less acrophobic complaints and psychopathology in general at pre-test. They also experienced less presence and anxiety in the virtual environment used in session one as compared to patients that completed VRET. Keywords: Phobias; Virtual reality; Exposure therapy; Treatment outcomes; Behavior therapy; Computer applications