Hawi Regaa | 2024 I.S. Symposium

Name: Hawi Regaa
Title: Examining VR Exposure Therapy through Comprehensive Analysis and Innovative Solutions
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Psychology
Advisors: John Musgrave; Dan Palmer

This study explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in exposure therapy for acrophobia by utilizing the Unity game engine to create immersive simulations that mimic high environments for therapeutic interventions. It evaluates the effectiveness of VR and user interaction in providing graduated virtual height exposures, focusing on design principles such as user comfort and presence. Through both quantitative and qualitative analyses, including feedback and usability tests, the study demonstrates VR’s potential to enhance phobia treatment strategies, notably for fear of heights. The findings suggest that VR exposure therapy, supported by game engines like Unity, represents promising advancements in phobia treatment, offering a more accessible and engaging approach to therapy. This research contributes to the broader understanding of VR’s role in mental health, proposing an integration of technology with traditional therapy methods.

Posted in Symposium 2024 on May 6, 2024.