Embodying self-compassion within virtual reality and its effects on patients with depression.
Journal article
Authors | Falconer, Caroline J., Rovira, Aitor, King, John A., Gilbert, Paul, Antley, Angus, Fearon, Pasco, Ralph, Neil, Slater, Mel and Brewin, Chris R. |
---|---|
Abstract | Background Self-criticism is a ubiquitous feature of psychopathology and can be combatted by increasing levels of self-compassion. However, some patients are resistant to self-compassion. Aims To investigate whether the effects of self-identification with virtual bodies within immersive virtual reality could be exploited to increase self-compassion in patients with depression. Method We developed an 8-minute scenario in which 15 patients practised delivering compassion in one virtual body and then experienced receiving it from themselves in another virtual body. Results In an open trial, three repetitions of this scenario led to significant reductions in depression severity and self-criticism, as well as to a significant increase in self-compassion, from baseline to 4-week follow-up. Four patients showed clinically significant improvement. Conclusions The results indicate that interventions using immersive virtual reality may have considerable clinical potential and that further development of these methods preparatory to a controlled trial is now warranted. |
Background | |
Keywords | Compassion; Depression; Empathy; Perspective talking; Self-criticism; Shame; Virtual Reality |
Year | 2018 |
Journal | BJPsych Open |
Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
ISSN | 20564724 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1192/bjpo.bp.115.002147 |
Web address (URL) | http://hdl.handle.net/10545/622106 |
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | |
hdl:10545/622106 | |
Publication dates | 02 Jan 2018 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 09 Feb 2018, 12:13 |
Accepted | 21 Dec 2015 |
Rights | Archived with thanks to BJPsych Open |
Contributors | University College London, University of Barcelona and University of Derby |
File | File Access Level Open |
File | File Access Level Open |
File | File Access Level Open |
https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/93xq2/embodying-self-compassion-within-virtual-reality-and-its-effects-on-patients-with-depression
Download files
114
total views19
total downloads2
views this month0
downloads this month