RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05319509

Pilot Study of Virtual Reality Therapy for Students With Anxiety

Sponsor

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Enrollment

100 participants

Start Date

Apr 1, 2022

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Anxiety

Summary

The purpose of this study is to assess changes in self-reported anxiety over the course of six virtual reality (VR) sessions and to assess changes in academic self-efficacy, as well as examine the feasibility and acceptability of a relatively short and time intensive VR intervention (i.e.,six sessions over the course of three weeks) for reducing anxiety symptoms in college students.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 30 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

enrolled in The University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health San Antonio regional campus
competent in English
total score of at least 3 on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2)

Exclusion Criteria3

Currently receiving psychological treatment for anxiety symptoms, or has received treatment in the last year.
Report photosensitive epilepsy.
Report stereoscopic vision or balance problems

Interventions

DEVICEgameChange

Staff will explain the rationale behind gameChange, and briefly explain the different scenarios: a doctor's office, a waiting room, a pub, a café, a grocery store, a public street and a bus. Each scenario contains five levels, each increasing with anxiety stimuli and certain tasks the participant must complete. The participant will put on the Oculus headset, and go through a preliminary orientation game. The headset will be casted to an external monitor. Once they start gameChange, it will take the participants to the virtual therapist's room. They will be asked to choose which scenario they would like to participate in first and will complete all five levels for one scenario. Research staff will be taking event sampling-style observations of the participant. After completion of the levels, the participant will return to the virtual therapist's room for debriefing, and then will be asked to exit the game.