Positive Health Online

Abstract

MUEHLBERGER and colleagues, Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tuebingen, Germany, evaluated the effects of repeated exposure to virtual reality (VR) flights on subjects with flight phobia .

Background

Methodology

30 subjects who suffered from flight phobia were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) one VR test flight followed by four VR exposure flights in one lengthy session (VR group, n=15); or 2) one VR test flight followed by a lengthy relaxation training session (relaxation group, n=15). All subjects completed a second VR test flight at the end of their respective sessions. Outcome measures included fear reports and physiological fear reactions (heart rate, skin conductance level) during VR exposures. Psychometric assessments of fear of flying were made from 3 weeks before to 3 months after exposure.

Results

Flight phobics showed subjective and physiological fear responses during exposure to VR flights. These responses diminished within and across VR flights . Repeated VR exposure resulted in greater reduction in fear parameters than did relaxation training. Psychometric scores of fear of flying improved in both groups, but several outcome measures indicated greater effects in the VR group.

Conclusion

Exposure to VR may offer a new and promising approach to treating fear of flying.

References

Muehlberger A et al. Repeated exposure of flight phobics to flights in virtual reality. Behaviour Research and Therapy 39 (9): 1033-50. Sep 2001.