A virtual reality approach to mindfulness skills training

Chandrasiri, Amaya; Collett, James; Fassbender, Eric; Foe, Alexander De

doi:10.1007/s10055-019-00380-2

Cited by 64 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…Fewer studies have explored virtual reality treatments beyond exposure therapy, with the exception of skills training, which has also demonstrated positive results 99 . Pilot studies have also shown that virtual reality applications can guide people to learn therapeutic skills such as mindfulness 100‐102 , relaxation 103 and self‐compassion 104,105 . Using virtual reality as a vehicle to deliver experiences that help people develop skills to manage mental health difficulties may increase treatment engagement and efficacy.…”

Section: Tools and Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The growing field of digital psychiatry: current evidence and the future of apps, social media, chatbots, and virtual reality

et al. 2021

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As the COVID-19 pandemic has largely increased the utilization of telehealth, mobile mental health technologies -such as smartphone apps, virtual reality, chatbots, and social media -have also gained attention. These digital health technologies offer the potential of accessible and scalable interventions that can augment traditional care. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive update on the overall field of digital psychiatry, covering three areas. First, we outline the relevance of recent technological advances to mental health research and care, by detailing how smartphones, social media, artificial intelligence and virtual reality present new opportunities for "digital phenotyping" and remote intervention. Second, we review the current evidence for the use of these new technological approaches across different mental health contexts, covering their emerging efficacy in self-management of psychological well-being and early intervention, along with more nascent research supporting their use in clinical management of long-term psychiatric conditions -including major depression; anxiety, bipolar and psychotic disorders; and eating and substance use disorders -as well as in child and adolescent mental health care. Third, we discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities towards real-world implementation, using the Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework to explain how the innovations themselves, the recipients of these innovations, and the context surrounding innovations all must be considered to facilitate their adoption and use in mental health care systems. We conclude that the new technological capabilities of smartphones, artificial intelligence, social media and virtual reality are already changing mental health care in unforeseen and exciting ways, each accompanied by an early but promising evidence base. We point out that further efforts towards strengthening implementation are needed, and detail the key issues at the patient, provider and policy levels which must now be addressed for digital health technologies to truly improve mental health research and treatment in the future.

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Section: Tools and Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The growing field of digital psychiatry: current evidence and the future of apps, social media, chatbots, and virtual reality

et al. 2021

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“…Past research in adult populations has demonstrated that MBIs delivered via VR can help actively capture a person’s attention and support their sense of presence in the mindfulness experience (via 3D computer generated environment) [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Studies exploring brief MBIs in VR among adult samples of novice and experienced meditators have demonstrated positive findings such as increases in state mindfulness and psychological wellbeing [ 32 , 34 , 35 ]. A recent study suggests that a brief MBI delivered by VR reduced anxiety among children who were homeless [ 36 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mindfulness-Based Virtual Reality Intervention for Children and Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study

et al. 2021

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The aim of this pilot study was to assess: (1) the feasibility and acceptability of a Mindfulness-Based Virtual Reality (MBVR) intervention among children and young adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and (2) the preliminary efficacy of MBVR on key psychological (anxiety) and physical (pain) outcomes. Participants were 62 children to young adults with IBD (M = 15.6 years; 69.4% Crohn’s disease; 58% male) recruited from an outpatient pediatric IBD clinic. Participants completed a baseline assessment, underwent the 6-min MBVR intervention, completed a post-intervention assessment and study satisfaction survey, and provided qualitative feedback. Results suggest strong feasibility and acceptability. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with MBVR including high levels of enjoyment (M = 4.38; range 1–5) and relaxation (M = 4.35; range 1–5). Qualitative data revealed several key themes including participants interest in using MBVR in IBD medical settings (e.g., hospitalizations, IBD procedures, IBD treatments), as well as in their daily lives to support stress and symptom management. Preliminary analyses demonstrated improvements in anxiety (t = 4.79, p = 0.001) and pain (t = 3.72, p < 0.001) following MBVR. These findings provide initial support for the feasibility and acceptability of MBVR among children and young adults with IBD. Results also suggest MBVR may improve key IBD outcomes (e.g., anxiety, pain) and highlight the importance of conducting a randomized controlled trial and more rigorous research to determine intervention efficacy.

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“…It has been found useful for a myriad of symptoms and illnesses including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, chronic pain, and psychological trauma (Kabat-Zinn, 2003;Hilton et al, 2017;Beccia et al, 2018;Taylor et al, 2020). Additionally, virtual reality mindfulness has been recently explored with positive effects noted (Navarro-Haro et al, 2017;Chandrasiri et al, 2020;Seabrook et al, 2020).…”

Section: Mindfulness Programsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Potential Impact of a Virtual Body Scan Meditation Exercise Conducted With Pet Dogs on Recipients and Facilitators

Kogan

Bussolari

2021

Front. Psychol.

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Numerous recent studies have shown that COVID-19 and the accompanying mandated lifestyle changes have resulted in significant negative effects on people’s mental health. To meet the increased need for mental health support, while also maintaining physical safety, a variety of telehealth services have been created or expanded. A body scan mindfulness program is an intervention that can easily be modified to be offered virtually. This study was designed to determine if a virtual body scan mindfulness exercise, with participants’ holding their dog or a pillow/blanket, could reduce their stress and anxiety as well as that of the facilitators. Significant differences in pre/post-State Anxiety Assessment scores for participants and facilitators were found. These results are discussed within the framework of the human animal bond and the potential of this form of intervention as a useful virtual tool for participants and facilitators alike.

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A virtual reality approach to mindfulness skills training

Cited by 64 publications

References 45 publications

The growing field of digital psychiatry: current evidence and the future of apps, social media, chatbots, and virtual reality

The growing field of digital psychiatry: current evidence and the future of apps, social media, chatbots, and virtual reality

Mindfulness-Based Virtual Reality Intervention for Children and Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Exploring the Potential Impact of a Virtual Body Scan Meditation Exercise Conducted With Pet Dogs on Recipients and Facilitators

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