Kaiying Miao
Developing Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Animal Phobia
In the realm of mental health, the use of innovative technology to treat phobias has opened new avenues for effective therapy. This project, "Developing Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy（VRET） for Animal Phobia" explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) to help individuals confront and overcome their fear of animals.
The project delves into the application of VR as a tool for exposure therapy, specifically targeting animal phobias such as cynophobia (fear of dogs) and ophidiophobia (fear of snakes). Traditional exposure therapy often faces challenges due to patient resistance and accessibility issues. Adopting a user-centered study, VR technology addresses these issues by providing a controlled, safe, and customizable environment where individuals can gradually face their fears.
The VRET application developed in this project features two key options: a structured progression model, where exposure levels are incrementally increased, allowing users to gradually build tolerance; and a self-controlled exposure mode, which gives users the autonomy to control their proximity and interaction with the virtual animals. These features were designed to cater to individual comfort levels and provide a tailored therapeutic experience.
Through testing with participants who have varying degrees of phobia severity, the project evaluated the effectiveness of these approaches in reducing anxiety and improving coping mechanisms. User feedbacks indicate that VR exposure therapy could improve the treatment of animal phobias, providing a more accessible and customizable alternative to traditional methods.
This project not only contributes to the treatment of animal phobias but also demonstrates the broader potential of VR in mental health therapy for various anxiety-related disorders. By merging psychological expertise with cutting-edge technology, the project aims to provide effective and user-friendly solutions for those struggling with phobias, ultimately improving their quality of life and social participation.
