Physiological measures and self-report to evaluate neutral virtual reality worlds

Physiological measures and self-report to evaluate neutral virtual reality worlds

Busscher, B.
De Vliegher, D.
Ling, Y.
Brinkman, W.P.

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Mediamatics

2011-12-31

Using virtual reality technology for exposure therapy to treat patients with anxiety disorders is attracting considerable research attention. The ability to monitor patient anxiety level helps therapists to set appropriate anxiety arousing situations. Physiological measures have been put forward as objective indicators of anxiety levels. Because of individual variation, they need a baseline recording which is often conducted in neutral virtual worlds which do not include phobic stressors. Still because of the novelty of the virtual worlds, reports in the literature suggest that individuals already show some level of arousal when placed in these worlds. This paper presents two studies which look at the effect two different neutral virtual worlds can have on individuals. Findings suggest that a neutral world does not have to result in an increased level of arousal.

virtual reality, exposure therapy, physiological measurements, neutral worlds, fear of flying

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e3b44f25-dcf7-4e20-89c7-25c7f615442f

Virtual Reality Medical Institute VRMI

1784-9934

Journal of Cybertherapy and Rehabilitation 4(1)2011, 1-18 (Preliminary version)

Institutional Repository

journal article

(c) 2011 Busscher, B., De Vliegher, D., Ling, Y., Brinkman, W.P.