Forum Discussion

stevevr's avatar
stevevr
Honored Guest
10 years ago

Virtual reality can cure phobias (allegedly)

An Aussie professor claims VR can cure phobias and I'm curious as to what phobia you're hoping it will help you overcome - if her allegation is actually true.

Mine is fear of heights.

8 Replies

  • VizionVR's avatar
    VizionVR
    Rising Star
    10 years ago
    Facing your fear can gradually help you cope with it. So yes, I can see VR as a safe, transitional step toward conquering a real life fear.

    I have an aversion to bugs and spiders and have felt creeped out by spiders in VR. I wouldn't say I'm afraid of them though. :)
  • stevevr's avatar
    stevevr
    Honored Guest
    10 years ago
    "vizionvr" wrote:
    ............
    I have an aversion to bugs and spiders and have felt creeped out by spiders in VR. I wouldn't say I'm afraid of them though. :)


    what VR game did you play that has spiders?
  • VizionVR's avatar
    VizionVR
    Rising Star
    10 years ago
    "stevevr" wrote:
    what VR game did you play that has spiders?


    Don't Let Go.
    Spiders crawl up your arms and sit on the back of your neck making skritching noises.
  • CptAhnungslos's avatar
    CptAhnungslos
    Explorer
    10 years ago
    "vizionvr" wrote:
    "stevevr" wrote:
    what VR game did you play that has spiders?


    Don't Let Go.
    Spiders crawl up your arms and sit on the back of your neck making skritching noises.



    Oh boy, I hope "Don´t Let Go" will be ported to newer SDK´s , get´s polished and/or extended.
    This is one hell of an experience! :!:
  • g4c's avatar
    g4c
    Explorer
    10 years ago
    Yeah any phobia can be cured using desensitization methods.

    I don't see why 90% of the path couldn't use VR if it's convincing.

    The final 10% you'd need the real thing though, if only to verify desensitization had occurred.

    These spiders are lovely:




    An app designed to desensitize should slowly ramp up exposure within comfortable settings, jump scares and spooky music shouldn't really be included.
  • peasandwell's avatar
    peasandwell
    Honored Guest
    10 years ago
    I read about something similar, although it's more Augmented Reality, to cure the fear of spiders.

    It works by projecting a cartoon spider onto the user's desk, and then it gets more realistic as the user progresses through their fear. Quite an interesting concept although I have no idea it if works. There's a link to it here - http://virtually-free.com/phobia-free/
  • MrsVR's avatar
    MrsVR
    Honored Guest
    10 years ago
    VR exposure therapy is pretty well documented. Here are some swedes who are currently researching it, focusing on arachnophobia atm.
  • kratzkatz's avatar
    kratzkatz
    Honored Guest
    10 years ago
    I could imagine Rifts being used to face people with their fears. especially with the fear of height. But I doubt it to be helpful with social phobias :(