The Use of 3D Bodies in a Computerised and Immersive Virtual Reality Body Image Intervention

Abstract

Body image disturbances are associated with eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, supporting the importance of developing interventions that specifically target body image. Most interventions focus on targeting sociocultural aspects of body image as opposed to the perceptual component. Here a perceptual body image intervention was employed, based on categorical judgements of body size ('thin' or 'fat') following an existing cognitive bias modification technique. Previously, this intervention, has been piloted in 2D in females with heightened body concerns and Anorexia Nervosa. Findings suggest that by using inflationary feedback the program can modify categorical thin-fat body judgements, with improvements in psychological self-report measurements, and these changes were maintained at follow-up. The 3D bodies were computer-generated, calibrated based on body mass index, and presented in 2D in the computerised intervention. In the current work we present this intervention delivered in 2D and in 3D virtual reality (VR). Using VR allows for life-sized (scaled 1:1), volumetric presentations of 3D body stimuli in an immersive environment. While further research of this intervention technique is needed, preliminary findings suggest that it may be a beneficial addition to body image treatment.