Mechanisms underlying the efficacy of exposure in virtual reality for anxiety disorders

• Many studies have documented the efficacy and effectiveness of using virtual reality to conduct exposure in the treatment of anxiety disorders (Wiederhold & Bouchard, 2014). However, the factors related to treatment outcome remain unclear. In this symposium, four studies will be presented in order to document: (a) the role of presence in the potential of virtual reality (VR) to induce anxiety reactions in people suffering from an anxiety disorder (PTSD); (b) mechanisms of change, including treatment expectations, in the cognitive behavior treatment (CBT) of panic disorder where VR and in vivo techniques were used to conduct exposure; (c) the role of cognitive changes and self-efficacy compared to other predictors of change, such as presence and treatment alliance, in the CBT of social anxiety using VR and in vivo exposure; and (d) expanding these findings on predictors of change to augmented reality exposure for specific phobia. The first study is based on an experimental anxiety induction protocol while the other three use randomized control trials. The findings highlight to contribution of a few factors specific to technology-based exposure and those common to CBT of anxiety disorders. Attendees to the symposium will benefit from a clear understanding of what are the few key factors they need to take into account when conducting exposure with VR and augmented reality.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Symposium discussion

virtual reality

efficacy of exposure

anxiety disorders

Psychology

psykologi

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)