Hidding, Marit (2022) Using Perspective-Change in Virtual Reality to Increase Self-Compassion and Decrease Self-Criticism in Young People. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Introduction: Excessive self-criticism is an important transdiagnostic psychological factor that has been associated with psychopathology. On the other hand, self-compassion can contribute to the resilience and recovery of clinical populations, making this an important target for treatment. While existing treatments show moderate effects on self-compassion, Virtual Reality (VR) has the potential to improve existing interventions as it allows for personalized roleplays that can be experienced from different perspectives, by using the unique VR technique of perspective-change. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a single-session VR intervention on self-criticism and self-compassion, as well as the added value of the novel VR technique of perspective-change. Methods: In total, 64 Dutch undergraduate psychology students with high levels of self-criticism were randomized either to the perspective-change condition or the control condition. Both conditions played two roleplays where participants react compassionately toward a virtual character that expresses the participants' own self-critical thoughts. In the perspective-change condition, after each roleplay perspective-change is used, to receive their own self-compassionate words from the perspective of the virtual character. Self-criticism, self-compassion, self-esteem, positive and negative affect were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Questions regarding presence in VR and the intervention were administered post-intervention. Results: Both conditions significantly increased in self-compassion and decreased in self-criticism. Furthermore, the session enhanced positive affect, self-esteem and self-compassion, and negative affect reduced. No differences were found between the conditions. Evaluation questions showed that the participants overall benefitted from the VR intervention. Discussion: Both investigated single-session VR interventions show positive effects in a subclinical sample. The change of perspective was not of added value, which indicates that expressing compassion to someone else with similar self-criticism, is already enough to reduce self-criticism and increase self-compassion. Keywords: Virtual Reality, self-compassion, self-criticism, perspective-change
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Cox, R.F.A. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Ontwikkelingspsychologie (O) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Jan 2023 08:27 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Jan 2023 08:27 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1507 |
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