| dc.description.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. | en_US |
