Application of Virtual Reality in psychotherapy and behavioural trainings: increasing inclusion, diversity, and empathy in society

Abstract

Virtual reality is a simulated environment empowered by computers that enables a user to have a close to real life experience in an artificially generated world. In the past two decades, VR has been implemented as a supplementing tool in psychotherapy opening a whole new world of its possible applications. The distinct features that VR technology brings in – sense of presence in simulated environments and embodiment – suggest the potential of using it not only for therapeutic purposes but also for behavioural training. This study looks closely at the current state of research of Virtual Reality in two fields: psychotherapy and behavioural training. Most research within psychotherapy is focused on evaluating the effectiveness of VR in exposure therapy and early diagnosis of mental diseases. The research on VR for behavioural training explores the possibilities of enhancing the existing training methods for increasing inclusion, diversity, and empathy in society. Finally, as part of the research paper, a summary of the benefits and difficulties in the implementation of VR into mainstream practices is also provided.