Falconer, CJ;
Rovira, A;
King, JA;
Gilbert, P;
Antley, A;
Fearon, P;
Ralph, N;
... Brewin, CR; + view all
(2016)
Embodying self-compassion within virtual reality and its effects on patients with depression.
British Journal of Psychiatry Open
, 2
(1)
pp. 74-80.
10.1192/bjpo.bp.115.002147.
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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.
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