Embodying self-compassion within virtual reality and its effects on patients with depression
Caroline J. Falconer,
Aitor Rovira,
John A. King,
Paul Gilbert,
Angus Antley,
Pasco Fearon,
Neil Ralph,
Mel Slater,
Chris R. Brewin
Affiliations
Caroline J. Falconer
Clinical Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
Aitor Rovira
Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
John A. King
Clinical Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
Paul Gilbert
Mental Health Research Unit, University of Derby, Derby, UK
Angus Antley
Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
Pasco Fearon
Clinical Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
Neil Ralph
Clinical Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, and iCope Camden and Islington Psychological Therapies Service, London, UK
Mel Slater
Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
Chris R. Brewin
Clinical Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
Background Self-criticism is a ubiquitous feature of psychopathology and can be combatted by increasing levels of self-compassion. However, some patients are resistant to self-compassion. Aims To investigate whether the effects of self-identification with virtual bodies within immersive virtual reality could be exploited to increase self-compassion in patients with depression. Method We developed an 8-minute scenario in which 15 patients practised delivering compassion in one virtual body and then experienced receiving it from themselves in another virtual body. Results In an open trial, three repetitions of this scenario led to significant reductions in depression severity and self-criticism, as well as to a significant increase in self-compassion, from baseline to 4-week follow-up. Four patients showed clinically significant improvement. Conclusions The results indicate that interventions using immersive virtual reality may have considerable clinical potential and that further development of these methods preparatory to a controlled trial is now warranted.
