The effectiveness of virtual reality in the clinical psychology context : a critical review

Abstract

Technological advancements have given rise to countless new forms of innovative technologies, among which is virtual reality. Virtual reality refers to a computer-simulated environment in which the impression is created that one is totally immersed in that environment and experiencing it as a reality. As it has become increasingly popular, it is being used in multiple contexts, including that of clinical psychology, where it falls under the concept of cybertherapy, known as the use of technology in facilitating therapeutic outcomes. Over the years, virtual reality has been applied to numerous psychological disorders, where it has become known as “virtual reality exposure therapy” and has sparked further interest and an increase in research. However, in South Africa, cybertherapy remains limited to standard forms of technologies, rarely used in practice, creating both a gap and an opportunity for virtual reality exposure therapy within the South African clinical psychology context. A critical literature review has been conducted to critically examine the existing literature on virtual reality in the clinical psychology context to determine the effectiveness thereof. The need for this research study emerged as a result of literature suggesting that future research should be conducted to determine the overall effectiveness of virtual reality within the clinical psychology context. The research study was also seen as an opportunity to contribute to the body of knowledge and create awareness in the scientific and academic community, from which clinicians too can benefit. By synthesising and analysing the literature, the reader is provided, in a clear and understandable manner, with a collective of what has been researched. All the literature in this critical review were retrieved from peer-reviewed studies published in English, which,

scientifically, either evaluated or commented on the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure therapy interventions. After the successful appraisal of the identified literature, the final pool consisted of nine studies that were included in the thematic analysis. Two themes that emerged from the analysis were “effectiveness for psychological disorders” (effectiveness of virtual reality, equivalent effectiveness, symptom reduction, less effective, longevity of effects) and “exclusive characteristics of virtual reality exposure therapy influencing its effectiveness” (variability and control, adapting virtual reality exposure therapy for increased effectiveness). The findings of this research study can be used to inform researchers and clinicians of the current state of virtual reality exposure therapy. In addition, the research study can create awareness among South African researchers and clinicians in the field and inform decisions regarding adopting technology such as this within the context of clinical psychology.