Virtual Reality as an Automated Stress-Reduction Therapy Tool - Case Study on War Refugees
Article No.: 539, Pages 1 - 8
Abstract
This case study presents research and reflections concerning Virtual Reality (VR) as an automated stress-reduction therapy tool. The study coincided with the outbreak of war in the Ukraine, thus the software was tailored to reduce the acute stress of refugees. We created a relaxation training program in a virtual, pleasant environment in the form of a comfortable mountain apartment. The pilot programme was conducted on the group of 55 Ukrainian refugees participating in up to five therapeutic sessions. The system effectiveness was evaluated by a set of sensors collecting objective physiological measures such as GSR (galvanic skin resistance) and EEG (electroencephalography). Before and after each session, the volunteers filled in questionnaires regarding their current stress level and mood, and that subjective data was juxtaposed with objective data from the sensors. In this work, we present our experience, insights and hope to inspire researchers and practitioners to explore the opportunities given by VR-supported therapy.
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- Virtual Reality as an Automated Stress-Reduction Therapy Tool - Case Study on War Refugees
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May 2024
4761 pages
ISBN:9798400703317
DOI:10.1145/3613905
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Permission to make digital or hard copies of part or all of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. Copyrights for third-party components of this work must be honored. For all other uses, contact the Owner/Author.
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Published: 11 May 2024
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