Virtual Reality Therapy Can Help People Cope with Eating Disorders

According to the study conducted by RISE LTD from the University of Kent (Research Centre for Interactive Media, Intelligent Systems and Emerging Technologies) and the University of Cyprus, Virtual Reality (VR) technology can be significantly effective in remote psychotherapy for eating disorders through a form of therapy called the Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET).

The study demonstrates the potential value of the Multi-User Virtual Reality (MUVR) remote psychotherapy for those with cognitive problems with their body shape and weight.

In the study, published in the Journal of “Human-Computer Interaction”, the participant and the therapist wore VR head-mounted displays and introduced themselves to each other in a VR system. The participant was asked to customize a virtual image based on his/her physical appearance in reality (including their body shape, clothing size, skin tone, hair colour and hairstyle). Then the participant and the therapist were "transported" to two virtual environments where several discussions were held to prepare the mirror exposure session.  

The mirror exposure session involves facing one's body shape in the mirror. In the MUVR, the participant was facing with the virtual image customized by himself/herself according to his/her own body in reality. In this session, the participant could use the virtual slider to customize the virtual body again, to change clothes, skin tone, hairstyle and hair color. Then, the clothes were gradually reduced until the participants’ virtual characters wore virtual underwear.