Is virtual reality always an effective stressors for exposure treatments? Some insights from a controlled trial.

摘要: Several research studies investigating the effectiveness of different treatments have demonstrated that exposure-based therapies are more suitable and effective than others for treatment anxiety disorders. Traditionally, exposure may be achieved in two manners: vivo, with direct contact to stimulus, or by imagery, person’s imagination. However, despite its effectiveness, both types present some limitations supported use Virtual Reality (VR). But is VR always an stressor? Are technological breakdowns appear during such experience a possible risk effectiveness? To answer these questions we compared changes following academic examination, one most universal examples real-life stressors, sample 39 undergraduate students. The same was offered using text (TX), audio (AU), video (VD), VR. virtual environment manipulated introducing breakdowns. Post Media Questionnaire (PMQ) Slater-Usoh-Steed Presence (SUS) were administered each participant order evaluated self-report measures relaxation level presence media exposure. Electrocardiogram (ECG), Thoracic Respiration Signal (RSP) Facial corrugator supercilii muscle Electromyography (EMG) recorded obtain objective subjects’ emotional state. Analyses conducted on PMQ showed significant increase scores mirror decrease relax after all our procedures, showing condition inducing negative response. Psychometric psychophysiological indexes less other procedures eliciting stress responses. Moreover, did not observe significative difference SUS scores: induced sense similar experienced exposition media. Technological significantly reduce possibility emotions related complex stressors. Without high presence, advantages disappear induction abilities even lower ones provided much cheaper Trial registration number: NCT01683617