Now i can see me” designing a multi-user virtual reality remote psychotherapy for body weight and shape concerns

Bibliographic Data

ID15216274
AuthorsMaria Matsangidou (0000-0003-3804-5565, University of Kent, corresponding author), Boris Otkhmezuri (0000-0002-3445-3994, University of Kent), Chin-Siang Ang (0000-0002-1109-9689, University of Kent), Marios Avraamides (0000-0002-0049-8553, Research Center on Interactive Media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus), Giuseppe Riva (0000-0003-3657-106X, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), Andrea Gaggioli (0000-0001-7818-7598, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), Despoina Iosif (University of Cyprus), Maria Karekla (0000-0001-7021-7908, University of Cyprus)
Year2020
Volume37
Issue4
Pages314-340
Publication date2020-10-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHuman-Computer Interaction (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0737-0024 • E-ISSN: 1532-7051
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/07370024.2020.1788945
OpenAlexW3093376603
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited77

Recent years have seen a growing research interest towards designing computer-assisted health interventions aiming to improve mental health services. Digital technologies are becoming common methods for diagnosis, therapy, and training. With the advent of lower-cost VR head-mounted-displays (HMDs) and high internet data transfer capacity, there is a new opportunity for applying immersive VR tools to augment existing interventions. This study is among the first to explore the use of a Multi-User Virtual Reality (MUVR) system as a therapeutic medium for participants at high-risk for developing Eating Disorders. This paper demonstrates the positive effect of using MUVR remote psychotherapy to enhance traditional therapeutic practices. The study capitalises on the opportunities which are offered by a MUVR remote psychotherapeutic session to enhance the outcome of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play Therapy and Exposure Therapy for sufferers with body shape and weight concerns. Moreover, the study presents the design opportunities and challenges of such technology, while strengths on the feasibility, and the positive user acceptability of introducing MUVR to facilitate remote psychotherapy. Finally, the appeal of using VR for remote psychotherapy and its observed positive impact on both therapists and participants is discussed

Appeal · Human–computer interaction · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Session (web analytics · Virtual reality · World Wide Web · Art Therapy and Mental Health · Computer Science · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Psychology · Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts