| Title: |
Physiological measures and self-report to evaluate neutral virtual reality worlds |
| Author(s): |
Bert Busscher, Daniel de Vliegher, Yun Ling and Willem-Paul Brinkman |
| Journal: |
Journal of CyberTherapy & Rehabilitation |
| Year: |
2011 |
| Issue: |
4 |
| Pages: |
15-25 |
| File URL: |
vuams-pubs/B.Buscher_2011_Physiological_measures_and_self_report_to_evaluate_neutral_virtual_reality_worlds_preliminary.pdf |
| Keywords: |
Virtual Reality, Exposure Therapy, Physiological Measurements, Neutral Worlds, Fear of Flying |
| Abstract: |
Using virtual reality technology for exposure therapy to treat patients with anxiety disorders is attracting
considerable research attention. The ability to monitor patient anxiety level helps therapists to set appropriate
anxiety arousing situations. Physiological measures have been put forward as objective indicators of anxiety
levels. Because of individual variation, they need a baseline recording which is often conducted in neutral
virtual worlds which do not include phobic stressors. Still because of the novelty of the virtual worlds, reports
in the literature suggest that individuals already show some level of arousal when placed in these worlds. This
paper presents two studies which look at the effect two different neutral virtual worlds can have on
individuals. Findings suggest that a neutral world does not have to result in an increased level of arousal. |
