The Feasibility and Impact of Delivering a Mind-Body Intervention in a Virtual World

Abstract

IntroductionMind-body medical approaches may ameliorate chronic disease. Stress reduction is particularly helpful, but face-to-face delivery systems cannot reach all those who might benefit. An online, 3-dimensional virtual world may be able to support the rich interpersonal interactions required of this approach. In this pilot study, we explore the feasibility of translating a face-to-face stress reduction program into an online virtual setting and estimate the effect size of the intervention.Methods and FindingsDomain experts in virtual world technology joined with mind body practitioners to translate an existing 8 week relaxation response-based resiliency program into an 8-week virtual world-based program in Second Life™ (SL). Twenty-four healthy volunteers with at least one month's experience in SL completed the program. Each subject filled out the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Symptom Checklist 90- Revised (SCL-90-R) before and after taking part. Participants took part in one of 3 groups of about 10 subjects. The participants found the program to be helpful and enjoyable. Many reported that the virtual environment was an excellent substitute for the preferred face-to-face approach. On quantitative measures, there was a general trend toward decreased perceived stress, (15.7 to 15.0), symptoms of depression, (57.6 to 57.0) and anxiety (56.8 to 54.8). There was a significant decrease of 2.8 points on the SCL-90-R Global Severity Index (p<0.05).ConclusionsThis pilot project showed that it is feasible to deliver a typical mind-body medical intervention through a virtual environment and that it is well received. Moreover, the small reduction in psychological distress suggests further research is warranted. Based on the data collected for this project, a randomized trial with less than 50 subjects would be appropriately powered if perceived stress is the primary outcome.

What Role Can Avatars Play in e-Mental Health Interventions? Exploring New Models of Client–Therapist Interaction

“…To date, this model has been trialed in two uncontrolled studies using individual (8) and group (9) formats.…”

“…Also delivered in Second Life, Hoch et al (9) developed an 8-week relaxation and mindfulness group, with sessions delivered twice-weekly to groups of up to 10 participants. The first session of each week involved teaching the participants specific relaxation strategies.…”

“…As with virtual reality exposure therapy conducted through head-mounted display devices, computer-based virtual reality applications can be conducted remotely (8, 9) or within the therapist’s office (10–16), thereby offering a safe environment for exposure-based treatments; compared to in vivo therapies, sessions utilizing the same exposure stimuli or role-playing scenarios can feasibly and conveniently be repeated as often as needed for the client to learn new skills; and clients may feel a greater sense of control over and safety within virtual settings, which could support treatment adherence. Additionally, computer-based applications are unlikely to induce the nausea and sensory distortions that can be experienced with virtual reality technology (33).…”

Can we learn to manage stress? A randomized controlled trial carried out on university students

“…Stress management is one of the applications that has been suggested for diverse population groups [64–67]. …”

Behavioral Contributions to the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes

“…[106] To our knowledge there have not been any MBSR interventions for diabetes prevention, but programs targeting obesity and eating behaviors have been shown to be effective to reduce food cravings and have a limited positive effect on body weight. [107–109] These approaches may be improved through the use of mobile technology to deliver intervention programs, [110] which would not only improve program reach, but also provide the opportunity to intervene at specific targeted times.…”