VR-STEM: Virtual Reality Schema Therapy Exercises With Parent and Child Modes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring the use of Virtual Reality (VR) to deliver a Schema Therapy exercise aimed at people aged 18 to 65 with psychiatric disorders. The study seeks to understand if these VR dialogue exercises with avatars are feasible, acceptable, and potentially helpful. It also examines patients' experiences, such as immersion, emotions, therapeutic relationship, and effects on self-criticism, self-compassion, and self-esteem. The role of mental imagery ability in moderating these effects is also being studied. Patients and therapists collaborate in developing the VR exercise. Participants will take part in one session of the VR Schema Therapy chairwork exercise, which involves interacting with virtual avatars representing parent and child modes. During this two-hour session, they will complete questionnaires before and after the exercise and share their opinions and experiences. The study focuses on assessing the feasibility and acceptability of the VR intervention. Throughout the study, researchers will measure how many patients are screened and enrolled each month, any drop-outs and reasons for withdrawal, adverse events, and issues experienced during the sessions. They will also collect data on schema mode scores, self-compassion, immersion, and the therapeutic relationship through questionnaires administered before and after the intervention. The total involvement is limited to the single two-hour session including assessments.

Virtual Reality Schema Therapy Exercises With Parent and Child Modes