6533b82efe1ef96bd12933d0

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Treating Cockroach Phobia With Augmented Reality

Azucena García-palaciosSoledad QueroJuani Bretón-lópezCristina BotellaRosa M. Baños

subject

Adultmedicine.medical_specialtyTime FactorsPsychotherapistmedicine.medical_treatmentExposure therapyCockroachesVirtual realityUser-Computer InterfaceYoung AdultPhysical medicine and rehabilitationSurveys and Questionnairesbiology.animalmedicineAnimalsHumansPsychiatric Status Rating ScalesCockroachAr systembiologymedicine.diseaseClinical PsychologyTreatment OutcomeMultiple baseline designPhobic DisordersFemaleAugmented realityPsychologyAfter treatmentAnxiety disorderFollow-Up Studies

description

In vivo exposure is the recommended treatment of choice for specific phobias; however, it demonstrates a high attrition rate and is not effective in all instances. The use of virtual reality (VR) has improved the acceptance of exposure treatments to some individuals. Augmented reality (AR) is a variation of VR wherein the user sees the real world augmented by virtual elements. The present study tests an AR system in the short (posttreatment) and long term (3, 6, and 12 months) for the treatment of cockroach phobia using a multiple baseline design across individuals (with 6 participants). The AR exposure therapy was applied using the "one-session treatment" guidelines developed by Öst, Salkovskis, and Hellström (1991). Results showed that AR was effective at treating cockroach phobia. All participants improved significantly in all outcome measures after treatment; furthermore, the treatment gains were maintained at 3, 6, and 12-month follow-up periods. This study discusses the advantages of AR as well as its potential applications. © 2010.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2009-04-20Behavior Therapy
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2009.07.002