Virtual Reality health appointments can help patients address eating
disorders

Date:
October 21, 2020
Source:
University of Kent
Summary:
Research has revealed that Virtual Reality (VR) technology can have
significant impact on the validity of remote health appointments
for those with eating disorders, through a process called Virtual
Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET).



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Research from the University of Kent, the Research centre on Interactive
Media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies -- RISE Ltd and the
University of Cyprus has revealed that Virtual Reality (VR) technology
can have significant impact on the validity of remote health appointments
for those with eating disorders, through a process called Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET).


==========================================================================
This paper demonstrates the potential value of Multi-User Virtual Reality (MUVR) remote psychotherapy for those with body shape and weight concerns.

In the study, published in Human-Computer Interaction Journal,
participants and therapists were fitted with VR Head-Mounted Displays and introduced to each other within the VR system. Participant would then
customize their virtual avatar according to their look (body shape and
size, skin tone and hair colour and shape). Participant and therapist
were then "teleported" to two Virtual Environment interventions for
several discussions, building up to the Mirror Exposure.

Mirror Exposure involves confrontation in a mirror with ones' shape
and body.

In the MUVR, the participant faces the virtual avatar they customized
to match their own physical body. Here, they were again able to adjust
body shapes using virtual sliders, change clothing, skin tone, as well
as hair style and colour.

Clothing was then gradually reduced until the participant's avatar was
in their virtual underwear.

The participant was then asked to examine each part of their body and
perform adjustments while describing their feelings, thoughts and concerns
with the therapist, leading to virtual exposure therapy for the patient
to their body shape and size through the customised avatar.

The study found that the avatar of the therapist was vital to the
participant.

The cartoonish avatar facilitated greater openness from participants,
whilst therapist avatars in human-form represented the idea of negative judgement. In post-session interviews, participants noted the lack of
fear of judgement as enabling them to commit to the session's aims.

Dr Jim Ang, Senior Lecturer in Multimedia/Digital Systems and Supervisor
of the study said: 'The potential of Virtual Reality being used in
addressing health issues with patients, remotely and without the issue
of potential judgement, is for VR to be utilised throughout the health
sector. Without the issue of judgement, which people can fear in advance
of even seeking medical advice, VR can give people the confidence to
engage with and embrace medical advice. In terms of the technical
capabilities, the potential for VR to aid in remote non- contact
medical appointments between patients and practitioners is huge, due
particular consideration in times of pandemic.' Dr Maria Matsangidou,
Research Associate at RISE Ltd and Experimental Researcher of the
study said: 'Multi-User Virtual Reality is an innovative medium for psychotherapeutic interventions that allows for the physical separation
of therapist and patient, providing thus more 'comfortable' openness by
the patients. Exposure to patient worries about body shape and size may
exhibit anxious reactions, but through the remote exposure therapy this
can elicit new learning that helps the patient to shape new experiences.'

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Kent. Original written
by Sam Wood. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Maria Matsangidou, Boris Otkhmezuri, Chee Siang Ang, Marios
Avraamides,
Giuseppe Riva, Andrea Gaggioli, Despoina Iosif, Maria Karekla. "Now
i can see me" designing a multi-user virtual reality remote
psychotherapy for body weight and shape concerns. Human-Computer
Interaction, 2020; 1 DOI: 10.1080/07370024.2020.1788945 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201021111605.htm

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