VR-CBT With Inuit in Quebec
A Virtual Reality-assisted Cognitive Behavior Therapy With Inuit in Quebec - a Proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial
Douglas Mental Health University Institute
40 participants
Jul 15, 2023
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The study design is a two-arm randomized controlled pilot trial. The investigators will recruit Inuit in Montreal and randomly assign them to two treatment groups (n=20 each). The active psychotherapy group will receive a ten-week manualized virtual reality (VR) assisted cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (VR-CBT) at the clinic and guided by a psychotherapist. The VR-CBT will aim at improving emotion regulation. The comparison group will use a VR self-management program, Calm Place, for guided relaxation during ten weeks at home. To evaluate outcome in both groups, the researchers will measure self-reports of emotion regulation, affect, distress and well-being, as well as a psychophysiological reactivity paradigm pre-post treatment.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria16
- Self-identify as Inuk
- Live in Montreal
- be between 14 to 60 years of age
- be proficient in English or French
- No history of cardiac conditions
- No history of epilepsy
- Can provide an emergency contact
- Tolerance of VR headset
- Tolerance of sensors
- Has no current suicidal or homicidal risk
- No history of psychosis or schizophrenia
- Current stable mood
- Is generally mentally stable
- Score less than 8 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test C
- Score less than 3 on the Drug Abuse Screen Test (10 item version)
- Not have had any change in psychoactive medications during 4 weeks preceding screening and inclusion to the study
Exclusion Criteria5
- does not identify as Inuk
- youth below the age of 14 and adults above the age of 60.
- self-reported history of psychosis or schizophrenia
- current substance abuse, as measured by two screens (AUDIT-C, DAST-10)
- other mental or physical condition that might preclude them from the trial (i.e., pre-existing heart conditions, convulsions, acute mental health risk).
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Interventions
The therapy is focused on emotion regulation through guided learning in virtual reality. The manual is a modified conventional cognitive behavioral therapy to include these aspects and the suggestions of an advisory committee of Inuit and non-Inuit health service providers (e.g., cultural adaptation).
The previously developed commercial VR program involves guided relaxation and meditation techniques.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT05631743