Predicting the Effectiveness of Systematic Desensitization Through Virtual Reality for Mitigating Public Speaking Anxiety

Ebers, Margaret von; Nirjhar, Ehsanul Haque; Behzadan, Amir H.; Chaspari, Theodora

doi:10.1145/3382507.3418883

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 29 publications

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“…Past research has shown that 360° videos (Reeves et al, 2021b) as well as training in virtual worlds can reduce anxiety (Wallach et al, 2009). Acoustic and physiological reactivity during a VR simulation can even predict the effectiveness of mitigating PSA (von Ebers et al, 2020).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Virtual Reality Simulation to Reduce Stage Fright During Public Appearances

2022

Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on E-Learning (EL 2022)

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Past applications of virtual reality (VR) and related research have provided evidence that VR technology is helpful for educational and training purposes and that it can be used as a therapeutic measure. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) may, therefore, be beneficial in reducing public speaking anxiety (PSA), which is a very common phenomenon. In this preliminary study, we conducted an experiment to investigate the psychological and physiological response to stressors experienced when speaking in public by creating a virtual audience displaying worst-case-scenario behavior (gossiping, shaking their heads, pointing at the speaker, standing up, and even leaving the room). In addition, other potential stressors were introduced (standing on an elevated platform, jumping off the platform, blocking someone's path, approaching a door that opens automatically, and throwing objects). To measure the responses of participants to these stimuli, we asked them to complete a questionnaire and monitored their heart rate. Our findings suggest that people's anxiety increases when they interact with other people in a virtual world, and when they are exposed to certain stimuli, which may be reduced with the repeated application of VRET.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%