Embodying Compassion: A Virtual Reality Paradigm for Overcoming Excessive Self-Criticism

作者:Falconer Caroline J; Slater Mel; Rovira Aitor; King John A; Gilbert Paul; Antley Angus; Brewin Chris R*
来源:PLos One, 2014, 9(11): e111933.
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0111933

摘要

Virtual reality has been successfully used to study and treat psychological disorders such as phobias and posttraumatic stress disorder but has rarely been applied to clinically-relevant emotions other than fear and anxiety. Self-criticism is a ubiquitous feature of psychopathology and can be treated by increasing levels of self-compassion. We exploited the known effects of identification with a virtual body to arrange for healthy female volunteers high in self-criticism to experience self-compassion from an embodied first-person perspective within immersive virtual reality. Whereas observation and practice of compassionate responses reduced self-criticism, the additional experience of embodiment also increased self-compassion and feelings of being safe. The results suggest potential new uses for immersive virtual reality in a range of clinical conditions.

  • 出版日期2014-11-12