Evaluating the Efficacy of Virtual Support Groups Fostering Resilience for Gender Diverse People: a Randomized Clinical Trial in the Metaverse

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether support groups conducted in a virtual Metaverse environment can help improve resilience and self-compassion in transgender and nonbinary individuals. The study compares the effects of different social challenges in a virtual setting versus a standard online forum and a waitlist control group. The goal is to understand if immersive social interaction through avatars can strengthen coping skills and mental well-being in gender diverse people. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a Metaverse group where they engage in immersive sessions involving social scenarios and self-compassion exercises, a standard asynchronous online group completing similar activities through text and forums, or a waitlist group. Sessions last about two hours and include role-playing microaggression scenarios followed by discussions and exercises. Measurements will be taken before, during, after the sessions, and at a 3-month follow-up. During the trial, participants will complete repeated assessments of resilience, stress, coping, self-compassion, social support, and positive gender identity characteristics up to 5 months. Mood, attitudes toward self, assertiveness, and self-efficacy will also be tracked. The study aims to enroll around 135 people aged 18 to 35, with sessions limited to small groups to ensure engagement. The total observation includes intervention and follow-up periods to assess lasting effects.

Developing Resilience in Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals - Exploring the Impact of Social Challenges in the Metaverse