Virtual Reality Exposure Versus In Vivo Exposure for Fear of Heights
Fear of Heights, Acrophobia, Specific Phobia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Fear of Heights
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Score >= 45 on the Acrophobia Questionnaire (AQ)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Already receiving therapy specifically for fear of heights.
- Has any contraindications to using a virtual reality headset.
Sites / Locations
- University of Notre Dame
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Experimental
No Intervention
Virtual Reality Exposure
In Vivo Exposure
Waitlist Control
Participants completed a single session of exposure administered via a virtual reality headset. The exposure exercise involved looking over virtual railings into an atrium at various floor levels (the virtual environment was designed to look like the atrium in the in vivo exposure condition). Exposure was conducted in six 6-minute trials for a total of 36 minutes of exposure.
Participants completed a single session of exposure administered in vivo. The exposure exercise involved looking over actual railings into an atrium at various floor levels. Exposure was conducted in six 6-minute trials for a total of 36 minutes of exposure.
Participants watched a neutral video during the time participants in other conditions were completing the exposure exercise. Participants received no exposure-based intervention.