Integrating virtual realities and psychotherapy: SWOT analysis on VR and MR based treatments of anxiety and stress-related disorders

L. Ma, S. Mor, P.L. Anderson, R.M. Baños, C. Botella, S. Bouchard, G. Cárdenas-López, T. Donker, J. Fernández-Álvarez, P. Lindner, A. Mühlberger, M.B. Powers, S. Quero, B. Rothbaum, B.K. Wiederhold, P. Carlbring

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.The use of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) technology in clinical psychology is growing. Efficacious VR-based treatments for a variety of disorders have been developed. However, the field of technology-assisted psychotherapy is constantly changing with the advancement in technology. Factors such as interdisciplinary collaboration, consumer familiarity and adoption of VR products, and progress in clinical science all need to be taken into consideration when integrating virtual technologies into psychotherapies. We aim to present an overview of current expert opinions on the use of virtual technologies in the treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders. An anonymous survey was distributed to a select group of researchers and clinicians, using an analytic framework known as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). Overall, the respondents had an optimistic outlook regarding the current use as well as future development and implementation of technology-assisted interventions. VR and MR psychotherapies offer distinct advantages that can overcome shortcomings associated with traditional therapy. The respondents acknowledged and discussed current limitations of VR and MR psychotherapies. They recommended consolidation of existing knowledge and encouraged standardisation in both theory and practice. Continued research is needed to leverage the strengths of VR and MR to develop better treatments. Abbreviations: AR: Augmented Reality; MR: Mixed Reality; RCT: Randomised Controlled Trial; SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats; VR: Virtual Reality; VR-EBT: Virtual Reality Exposure-Based Therapy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)509-526
JournalCognitive Behaviour Therapy
Volume50
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Funding

BR receives funding from Wounded Warrior Project, National Science Foundation, Cohen Veteran Bioscience, Bob Woodruff Foundation, The Hidden Heroes Fund (an initiative of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation), Department of Defense (Clinical Trial Grant No.W81XWH-10-1-1045), and McCormick Foundation. RB, CB, and SQ receive funding from CIBERObn, an initiative of the ISCIII (ISC III CB06 03/0052).

FundersFunder number
National Science Foundation
U.S. Department of Defense
McCormick Foundation
Bob Woodruff Foundation
Cohen Veterans Bioscience
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIISC III CB06 03/0052

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