Virtual Reality Therapy Can Help People Cope with Eating Disorders

The participant was then asked to examine every part of the virtual body and make adjustments, at the same time to describe their feelings, thoughts and concerns to the therapist, so that enables the patient to participate in virtual exposure therapy for cognitive problems with body shape and size by customizing his/her virtual image.

The study found that different types of virtual images of a therapist had a significant effect on the participants. Cartoonish images were more conducive to participants’ openness, while anthropomorphic images of a therapist were more representative of negative criticism. In the interview after the therapy, the participants indicated that they would focus more on the therapy without worrying about being judged.

Dr. Jim Ang, Senior Lecturer and Research Director of Multimedia/Digital Systems, said: "In terms of solving health problems with patients, the potential of VR to be used remotely and to avoid potential criticality has given VR the potential to be used across the health sector. People are worried about being criticized even before seeking medical advice. VR can eliminate this worry and give people confidence to participate and accept medical advice. In terms of technical capabilities, the potential for VR to help patients and doctors conduct remote, non-contact medical treatments is enormous and deserves special attention during a pandemic.”

Dr Maria Matsangidou, research assistant at RISE Ltd and experimental researcher for the study, said: "Multi-User Virtual Reality is an innovative way of psychological intervention that allows the therapist and patient to physically separate, thus providing a more 'comfortable' openness to the patient. In the exposure therapy, Patients' concerns about body shape and size may lead to anxious responses, but the remote exposure therapy can inspire new learning feelings and help shape new experiences.”