The experiences of therapists and adolescents using virtual reality as part of a compassion-focused therapy intervention for adolescents with severe conduct disorder

Abstract

Psychosocial therapeutic treatment of adolescents with severe conduct disorder is challenging due to difficulties with therapeutic motivation and engagement. Nonetheless, early intervention during adolescence is critical, as persistent conduct problems may develop into antisocial personality disorder in adulthood. Virtual reality (VR) is a new and promising tool in the treatment of severe conduct disorders in adolescents. The CFT+VR research project combined VR with compassion-focused therapy (CFT), which has already shown promising results in this population.
This study explored therapists’ experiences of using VR within a CFT-based brief intervention and examined adolescents’ self-reported enjoyment of the VR experience, immersion, and Virtual Reality Induced Symptoms and Effects (VRISE).
Therapists (n = 6) were interviewed about their experiences of using VR as part of CFT, as well as its potential benefits and drawbacks, and the transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.  To assess the quality of their VR experience and any potential adverse symptoms, adolescents (n = 20) completed two different self-report measures after each of five VR sessions.
VR may enhance emotional skills, and increase adolescents´ motivation, and engagement. However, challenges such as inconsistent credibility of VR content, technical challenges, and some adverse symptoms were also reported. Overall, VR is a promising therapeutic tool for adolescents with severe conduct disorder though further refinement and ethical consideration are needed to maximize effectiveness and minimize risks.